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apnea & bradycardia
(As & Bs)
Apnea is a temporary pause in breathing. Many times apnea is associated with
bradycardia (a decrease of the infant's heart rate). When apnea and bradycardia
occur together, this is referred to as As & Bs.
arterial blood gases
(ABGs)
A test done on a small amount of blood to measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide
levels in the baby's blood. Results of this test allow the NICU staff to make
adjustments in the respiratory care the baby is receiving.
anemia
A condition of having a decreased number of red blood cells in the blood.
bilirubin (BILI)
A normal breakdown product of red blood cells. Bilirubin causes jaundice, a
yellowing of the skin.
complete blood count
(CBC)
A laboratory test to determine whether the baby is anemic or whether the baby's
white blood cell count shows any evidence of infection.
chest tube
A small tube passed through the chest wall and between the ribs. This is then
connected to a suction device. A chest tube is used to treat a condition called
pneumothorax or collapsed lung.
chest X-ray (CXR/Chest)
An X-ray picture taken of an infant's chest.
endotracheal tube
(ET tube)
A semi-stiff plastic tube that is passed through the mouth or nose into the
trachea (windpipe) and connected to a ventilator.
gavage feeding
A method of feeding in which a soft tube is passed into the baby's stomach.
The tube can be passed through either the nose or the mouth.
gestational age (post-conceptual
age)
The baby's calculated age from the day of conception to the date of delivery.
A full-term infant has a gestational age of 38 to 42 weeks.
hematocrit
A measure of the red blood cell (RBC) count. Within each RBC is a substance
called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is responsible for delivering the oxygen throughout
the body.
heel stick
A method of obtaining blood samples by pricking the baby's heel.
high humidity nasal
cannula
a way of providing a higher flow of oxygen to the baby using higher humidity
or moistened air through a soft tubing in the baby's nose.
hyaline membrane disease
(HMD)
A respiratory disorder often seen in premature babies in which there is a tendency
for the tiny air sacs of the lungs to collapse, usually due to a lack of surfactant,
a substance produced by the lungs to keep the air sacs expanded.
hyperalimentation
(total parenteral nutrition or TPN)
An intravenous method of giving nutrition to an infant who is unable to consume
enough breast milk or formula. Some infants may receive TPN exclusively until
they are ready to begin feedings.
isolette
A special enclosed bed in which the temperature can be controlled.
intravenous (IV)
A method of giving fluids through a hollow catheter into a vein.
intubation
The procedure of inserting an endotracheal tube (ET tube) through the mouth
or nose into the windpipe (trachea).
jaundice
The yellow color of the skin caused by increasing amounts of bilirubin in the
blood.
lumbar puncture (LP
or spinal tap)
A procedure in which a special needle is passed between two of the lumbar vertebrae
(lower portion of the back) to obtain a sample of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).
This test is necessary to determine whether the infant has an infection of the
spinal fluid.
meconium
A dark green, almost black, material normally found in the baby's intestines
at birth; this is the first stool your baby will pass.
nasal continuous positive
airway pressure (CPAP)
A way of providing oxygen, and some pressure to help expand the lungs, through
small prongs which fit into the nose.
necrotizing enterocolitis
(NEC)
An infection of the lower gastrointestinal tract.
neonate
A newborn infant.
open table warmer
An open bed with an overhead warmer which helps keep the baby warm. With this
kind of bed, several people may care for your baby at the same time.
O2 hood/hood
A plastic box or cylinder that fits over the baby's head to provide oxygen and
moisture.
percutaneous line
(perc line)
A long catheter placed into a surface vein, with the catheter tip extending
into a large central vein. These catheters generally stay in place longer than
peripheral IVs. In carefully selected situations, the perc line can be used
to complete antibiotic courses at home (sometimes allowing earlier discharge
from the NICU).
pre-gavage aspirate
(PGA)
The amount of the prior feeding remaining in the infant's stomach at the next
feeding. Depending upon the feeding schedule, there may be small amounts of
formula or breast milk in the stomach, but usually there is none.
phototherapy
A treatment for jaundice. The baby is placed under special lights (bili lights)
with the eyes covered. The light helps to lower the bilirubin level.
pneumothorax
A condition in which air escapes from the baby's lungs into the chest cavity
and compresses the lungs. Also referred to as a collapsed lung.
premie (premature
infant)
An infant born before the 37th week of gestation.
pulse oximeter (O2
sat monitor)
A monitor that measures the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream through a small
light sensor taped to the baby's hand or foot.
sepsis
An infection in the bloodstream.
surfactant
A substance, produced by the lungs, which helps to keep them inflated. Surfactant
lines the inner surface of the lungs and prevents them from "sticking"
together in what should normally be an air-filled space. Without surfactant,
the infant would have to work extremely hard just to breathe and would eventually
tire and be unable to breathe on his own.
transcutaneous monitor
(TCM)
A monitor that measures the amount of oxygen and/or carbon dioxide in the bloodstream
through a small heated electrode placed on the baby's skin.
umbilical artery catheter
(UAC)
A small catheter placed in one of the arteries of the umbilical cord. Blood
can be drawn from this line and fluids can also be given to the infant. The
baby's blood pressure can be continuously monitored.
umbilical venous catheter
(UVC)
This catheter is similar to the UAC, however, the UVC is put into the vein of
the umbilical cord. Blood may be withdrawn and fluids/medications given.
ventilator
This machine delivers a prescribed number of breaths per minute and also delivers
a prescribed percent of oxygen to the baby.
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