NICU Vocabulary
The following is a list of common terms you will hear in the NICU. If you hear a word and you do not understand what it means, please ask any member of the NICU team. We want you to feel comfortable and understand what is happening with your baby.
A's and B's
Apnea (not breathing) and bradycardia (low heart rate).
Acidosis
A disturbance in the acid-base balance (pH) of the blood or body tissues in which there is an accumulation of acids or an excess loss of bases. Can be caused by breathing problems and severe illnesses.
Anemia
A condition in which there are not enough red blood cells in the blood. Frequently seen in premature babies.
Apnea
Pause in breathing, often due to the baby’s immaturity or illness. To resume breathing, the baby may require mild stimulation by rubbing the foot or chest.
Aspiration
Breathing fluid or foreign material into the lungs.
Bagging
A manual technique used to help your baby breathe.
Bendy™
A bendable foam that will help maintain correct positioning of your baby.
Bili blanket
A special lighted blanket, placed under the baby, to help treat jaundice (a high bilirubin level).
Bili lights
Special lights placed over a baby with a high bilirubin level. This is called phototherapy. The lights help break down bilirubin to be removed easily by the baby’s system. The baby’s eyes are covered for protection. A bili blanket may also be used.
Bilirubin
A yellowish substance produced when old, used red blood cells are broken down. If too much is in the blood, it can cause a yellowish coloring of the skin called jaundice.
Blood gases
Small amounts of blood drawn from baby’s heel or from an indwelling catheter to measure amounts of oxygen, carbon dioxide and pH (acidity) of the blood. Results tell us if the baby requires more or less oxygen, or requires assistance in breathing.
Blood pressure
The pressure of the blood against the wall of the blood vessels.
Bradycardia
Slower than normal heart rate, which may be normal for your baby or occur with apnea.
Catheter
Umbilical vein catheter (UVC) or umbilical arterial catheter (UAC). A small plastic tube placed in the baby’s umbilical cord through a vein (UVC) or an artery (UAC). This can be used to administer fluids or medications or draw blood samples for lab studies.
Circumcision
An elective surgical procedure to remove the foreskin of the penis.
Colostrum
Breast milk produced in the first few days of lactation. It is rich in protein and antibodies, which help fight infection.
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure)
An apparatus used to deliver extra pressure to the airway to assist in breathing.
Culture
A sample of blood, body fluid, secretion, spinal fluid or urine that is sent to the lab to check for growth of bacteria, virus or fungus.
Cyanosis
A slightly bluish discoloration of the skin, caused by lack of oxygen.
Chemstrip
A test which uses a drop of blood to check the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Desat
A decrease in the amount of oxygen carried in the blood stream.
Edema
An excess amount of fluid in the body tissue, causing swelling.
Electrode
A wire disk taped to the baby’s abdomen, back or chest to allow us to measure the baby’s heart rate and respiratory rate.
ET tube (endotracheal tube)
A plastic tube placed in the baby’s trachea (windpipe) which is connected to a ventilator to help the baby breathe.
Extubate
Removal of the baby’s breathing tube (ET tube).
Follow-up Clinic
A specialized clinic at St. Elizabeth Hospital where babies in need of specialized outpatient care will be referred. The babies will be monitored to ensure adequate growth and that their milestones are being reached. Your neonatologist will let you know if this clinic is recommended for your baby.
Gram/Pound
The metric system of weight used to weigh your baby in the NICU. There are 454 grams in a pound.
Grunting
Sounds a baby may make when exhaling if having difficulty breathing.
Hearing screen
A test to assess hearing abnormalities. Early detection of hearing problems allows for early treatment.
Hepatitis B
An infection that attacks the liver, which can lead to liver damage, liver cancer and possibly death. Hepatitis B immunization is a series of three shots, the first of which is given within two months of birth for those babies whose mother does not have hepatitis B. Treatment is started immediately if the mother has hepatitis B or if her status is unknown.
Isolette
An enclosed incubator that provides warmth and humidity. “Portholes” on the sides allow the nurse and parent to care for the baby with minimal stress to the baby.
IV Therapy
The administration of fluids, nutrients, fats, vitamins or medication to a sick or premature baby through the veins. An IV solution with a high concentration of sugar, protein, vitamins, and minerals is called hyperalimentation (hyperal). A white solution containing fatty acids is called lipids. These two are used in combination to provide total nutrition to those babies who cannot eat.
Jaundice
A build-up of yellow pigment just under the surface of the skin, due to the immature liver’s inability to rid of bilirubin. This is often normal, but if the levels get too high, it is treated with phototherapy.
Lumbar puncture/Spinal tap
Insertion of a needle into the spine between the vertebrae in the lower back to obtain a sample of spinal fluid.
Meconium
A baby’s first bowel movements. It is dark green or black and looks like tar.
Monitor
A machine that constantly records heart rate, respirations and oxygen saturation. Patches called electrodes are placed on the baby’s skin and are connected to the monitor where the information is displayed on screen.
Nasal cannula
A plastic tube with two small prongs that go into the baby’s nostrils. It is connected to an oxygen source to give extra oxygen to the baby.
Neonatal screening
State-mandated blood test for metabolic abnormalities which when detected early can be easily treated.
NG/OG
A tube placed into the baby’s stomach by going through the nose (nasal-gastric) or the mouth (oral-gastric) to deliver fluids or medications directly to the baby’s stomach.
NPO
“Nothing by mouth.” This means the baby will not receive anything into its stomach.
Open warmer
An open crib where the baby’s temperature can be controlled automatically by taping a probe on the baby’s skin. Radiant heat from the heater above keeps the baby warm. This type of warmer allows the nursing staff to quickly assess and care for your baby.
Oscillator
A special type of ventilator used to assist the baby’s breathing.
Oximeter
A sensor which is gently wrapped around a foot, toe or hand to measure the percent of oxygen saturation in the blood.
Oxygen hood
A clear plastic “bubble” or hood placed over the baby’s head to ensure that the baby gets the necessary concentration of oxygen.
PDA (patent ductus arteriosus)
A small blood vessel connecting the aorta (large artery carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body) to the pulmonary artery (large artery carrying blood from the heart to the lungs). This channel is open before the baby is born, closing shortly after birth. In premies, it sometimes remains open and usually can be closed with medications. Rarely, it may require surgery to close.
Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line)
An IV placed by a specially trained nurse into a large vein when extra fluid, nutrition or medications are needed.
Pneumothorax
A condition that occurs when there is a small opening or tear on the surface of the lung, allowing air to leak between the lung and the chest wall. The air pushes on the lung and prevents good expansion with each breath. A chest tube is placed just under the skin between the ribs to remove this air and allow the lung to expand and heal. This tube is kept in place until the lung is healed.
Premature infant (premie)
A baby born more than three weeks early or before 37 weeks gestation.
Pulse ox
A monitor which measures the percent of oxygen carried in the blood.
Reflux
A condition in which formula comes up from the stomach into part of the esophagus. May cause vomiting, apnea or failure to gain weight. This may resolve with time and growth or may need to be treated with medications or surgery.
Respirator
A machine that breathes for or assists the baby in breathing. Air and oxygen are administered under pressure to the baby’s lungs through an ET tube. This tube is taped into place and suctioned by the nurse for mucus.
Respiratory distress syndrome
Any of the following conditions:
1. Hyaline membrane disease: lung disease in which there is not enough surfactant in the lungs to keep them expanded. Parts of the lungs cannot open for air.
2. Wet lung: condition in which there is excess fluid in the lungs which needs to be reabsorbed.
3. Pneumonia: infection in the lungs caused by bacteria, virus or any irritating substance.
Retractions
A condition that occurs in babies with breathing difficulties due to a soft chest wall. The skin on the chest wall is drawn in between the ribs or under the ribs and breastbone with each breath, giving the chest a sunken appearance.
Rounds
Time when the NICU team meets at your baby’s bedside to discuss your baby’s condition and plan of care.
Sepsis
The presence of bacteria, virus or fungus in a baby’s blood, diagnosed with a blood culture.
Snuggly
A soft, cozy nest that helps provide proper positioning and physiological stability for preterm and ill babies.
Steroid medication
Treatment sometimes used for premies that have inflammation in the lungs.
Suction
Using a catheter to remove fluid from the nose, mouth, breathing tube or stomach.
Tachycardia
Rapid heart rate.
Tachypnea
Rapid respiratory rate.
TPN (total parenteral nutrition)
Specialized IV nutrition solutions, yellowish in color, containing special vitamins, minerals, protein and glucose to provide nutrition to the baby through veins when the baby cannot eat enough.
Transcutaneous monitor
A small skin monitor used to determine the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the baby’s blood.
Tube feeding
NG (nasal-gastric) or OG (oral-gastric). A small tube is passed into the stomach and formula or breast milk is administered slowly into the stomach.
Transfusion
Blood, plasma or blood products administered into the vein.
Ultrasound
A sound wave test used to check various organ systems in the baby. It is similar to the ultrasound the mother had while pregnant.
Ventilator
A machine that breathes for or assists the baby in breathing. Air and oxygen are administered under pressure to the baby’s lungs through an ET tube. This tube is taped into place and suctioned by the nurse for
mucus.
Vital signs
Baby’s pulse, temperature, blood pressure and respiratory rate.
