Glossary of NICU Terms

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Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Anemia - A condition where there is not enough red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. Premature and sick infants are not always able to make enough red blood cells to replace the ones lost when blood is taken from them for testing.
Antibiotics - Medications used to treat bacterial infection or when an infection is strongly suspected.
Apgar Score - A score taken at birth to measure the condition of a baby, including heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflexes, and color.
Apnea - When a baby stops breathing for 20 seconds or more. Premature infants often forget to breathe and may require stimulation (a gentle rub on the back) to remind them. This is a common occurrence for premature infants and usually decreases as the infant matures (generally by 35 weeks).
Artery - These are the blood vessels that carry oxygen rich blood through the body.
Aspirate - Refers to milk or formula that is left in the infant’s stomach, from the previous feeding. It is usually un/partially digested and helps guide the nurse on whether the infant is ready to have his or her feedings increased.
Aspiration - To breathe a substance into the windpipe or lungs.
Ambu Bagging/Bagging - A procedure used to help the baby breath. This is the process of giving the infant oxygen and or extra breaths through the use of an air-filled bag. A small mask attached to a rubber bag is placed over the baby’s nose and mouth. Air is pumped through the mask to provide oxygen.
Bilirubin - A product of the breakdown of red blood cells, it is a measure of the level of jaundice. It is filtered out of the blood by the liver. In premature infants the liver is immature so it doesn't filter as well as it should and therefore leads to jaundice.
Blood Culture - A sample of blood sent to the lab to test for infection.
Blood Gas - A test done on a small amount of blood to determine the level of oxygen, carbon dioxide and acid (pH) in the blood. It is used to measure how well an infant is ventilating/breathing.
Blood Pressure - A measure of the force of blood moving through blood vessels. Can be taken periodically using a cuff on the arm or leg or monitored continuously using a transducer hooked up to the umbilical artery catheter (UAC) or to a peripheral arterial line.
Blow by Oxygen - Also called whiffs, given to babies as an immediate and temporary response to desaturations or low oxygen level.
BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel) - See Electrolytes.
BPD (Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia) - A term that refers to chronic lung disease most commonly seen in premature infants who have had long-term breathing problems and oxygen needs. This term is often used interchangeably with Chronic Lung Disease (CLD).
Bradycardia (Brady) - A heart rate that is slower than normal. In premature infants, it is frequently associated with apnea and subsides as the infant matures.
Breast Pump - An electric machine used by moms to express milk from her breasts.
Canula - See 'nasal canula.'
Carbon Dioxide - The gas we breathe out as a waste product.
Cardio-Respiratory Monitor (C-R Monitor) - See 'heart rate monitor.'
Catheter - A tube used for putting fluids into or removing fluids from the body.
CBC (Complete Blood Count) - A blood test done to determine if an infection is present and/or if the infant is anemic.
CC's - Metric measure of liquids, equivalent to a mili-liter (ml) (30 cc's is 1 ounce).
Central Line - A special IV line that is inserted into a larger caliber vein that is used to give fluid or draw blood.
Chest Tube - A tube inserted into the chest to remove air or fluid.
Chest Physiotherapy (Chest PT) - Tapping on the chest to assist in the drainage of mucus/secretions.
Chronic Lung Disease (CLD) - Refers to changes in the lungs seen on x-ray often seen in premature infants who may also have continued need for oxygen or extra breathing support. This term is often used interchangeably with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD).
Chronological Age - The age of the infant counting from his/her birth date. It does not account for the infants prematurity.
Corrected Age - The age of the infant when counting from his/her due date, instead of their birthday. This accounts for the infants prematurity. Also referred to as adjusted age.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) - A continuous flow of pressurized air/oxygen into the lungs through prongs in the infant's nose to help the lungs inflate properly. With nasal CPAP the baby is doing all of the breathing. A head cap is placed to anchor the tubing on the baby's head area with nasal prongs placed snugly on the baby’s nostrils. The pressure and oxygen are delivered through this tubing.
Crib/Bassinette - Used for more stable or older babies who can maintain their temperature with blankets alone.
Cyanosis - Refers to a dusky, bluish color of the skin, lips, and or nail beds as a result of not having enough oxygen in the blood.
Desaturation (Desats) - A term used that indicates that the baby’s oxygen level is below the normal range.
Dextrostix - Measures the blood sugar level, usually drawn from the heel.
Directed Blood Donor - Blood that is donated by one of the parents for use by their infant. Only a parent may be a donor.
Diuretic - A type of medication used to increase the amount of urine an infant produces and decrease the extra fluid in the body.
EBM (Expressed Breast Milk) - Milk those moms expresses using a pump. This milk can be frozen and saved for an infant who isn’t feeding.
ECG (EKG) - A machine that briefly hooks up to leads on an infant’s chest to do a printed read-out of his or her heartbeat.
Echo Cardiogram (ECHO) - An ultrasound of the heart usually performed by the cardiologist. It can identify heart anomalies and show how the blood is pumping throughout the heart’s chambers and in the vessels leading to and from the heart.
Edema - Also known as "puffiness," this is swelling due to extra fluid under the skin causing a swollen appearance.
Electrode - A patch placed on the baby's chest to measure the heart rate and breathing rate.
Electrolytes (Lytes) - The measurement of sodium, potassium, and chloride in the infant's blood. The results of this test may further indicate the need for supplements of these very important minerals. Also referred to as BMP (basic metabolic panel).
ETT (Endotracheal Tube) - A soft plastic tube placed into the infant’s nose or mouth and down into the windpipe (trachea) and connected to a respirator. When an infant is intubated with an ETT they are unable to make noise. Intubation is the process of placing an ETT into an infant and extubation is process of taking it out.
Extubation - Removal of the endotracheal tube (ETT) from the airway.
Fortifier/Human Milk Fortifier - A powder substance that supplements breast milk and gives it extra calories, minerals, proteins, and vitamins. This supplement is mixed with the mom’s breast milk and fed to the preterm infant.
Gavage - A method of feeding infants through a tube inserted into the stomach through the nose or mouth. This is often referred to as NGT feedings (nasogastric tube). The tube is small enough that it can be left in place in between feedings without bothering the baby. Premature babies often require tube feedings at the start since they are unable to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing.
Gestational Age - The number of weeks the baby is carried in the mother's womb. The gestational age of a full-term baby is 38-42 weeks. For the premature baby, every day inside counts so you may see this written as 25 + 5/7 meaning you were 5 days into your next week of pregnancy when you delivered.
Glucose - A type of sugar in the blood. Different types of glucose monitoring are done but the most common is done using a glucometer.
Glycerin Suppository - Also known as the 'silver bullet,' this glycerin suppository helps the infant to have a bowel movement.
Hearing Exam - According to New York State law, all infants discharged home will have their hearing screened.
Heart Rate Monitor - This monitor displays waveforms and numerical readings of the infant's heart rate and respirations. Three adhesive electrodes (leads) stick to the infant's skin. An alarm rings if the readings are not within the normal limits. False alarms are common and usually happen when the infant wiggles or a lead falls off. This is also referred to as the Cardio-respiratory (C-R) Monitor.
Heelstick - The method of getting blood from an infant by pricking the heel.
Hemoglobin - The iron containing part of the red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body.
Hyperalimentation or Total Parental Nutrition (TPN) - Special nutrition that is given through a vein. TPN is used in infants who cannot be fed breast milk or formula or as a supplement until full nutrition can be given by mouth.
Hypoglycemia - Low blood sugar level in the blood.
Hypoxia - A decrease in the level of oxygen in the blood.
Infiltrate - This term is used when referring to an IV that is no longer in the vein and must be re-sited. This is a common occurrence in the NICU.
Intralipids - A white, high-calorie fat solution that is delivered by IV.
Intravenous (IV, Peripheral Intravenous Line, PIV) - A small catheter placed a short distance into a vein to provide fluids, nutrition and/or medications. Infants can have IV’s in their scalps, hands, arms, legs, and feet. These sites are rotated if the IV infiltrates.
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH) - A condition where bleeding occurs in the ventricles of the brain. IVH is diagnosed by ultra sound.
Intubation - Placement of an endotracheal tube (ETT) through the nose or mouth into the trachea (windpipe).
Incubator - This is an enclosed bed that provides a warm environment and allows easy observation of the baby. A sensor may be placed on the baby's skin for temperature control depending on the baby’s size and temperature stability (sometimes referred to as an isolette).
Isolette - See 'incubator.'
Jaundice (Hyperbilirubinemia) - The yellow color seen in the skin due to the buildup of bilirubin.
Kangaroo Care - Kangaroo Care is the practice of providing infants with skin-to-skin contact from their parents, enabling them to share warmth and natural closeness. It was developed in Bogotá, Colombia, and has been widely practiced successfully in South America, Europe, and now the U.S.
LGA (large for gestational age) - An infant who is born larger than usual for those born at the same gestational age.
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) - A sterile procedure in which a needle is inserted into a space between the vertebrae below where the spinal cord ends. Fluid is removed and sent to the lab for analysis/testing.
Lytes - See 'Electrolytes.'
Meconium - This is the first stool passed by an infant. These stools can last for days and are dark green, thick and tar-like.
Mucus - A fluid secreted by the membranes of the nose, trachea and lungs.
Murmur - An extra or an unusual sound during a heartbeat. It is detected by using a stethoscope and listening to the heartbeat on the chest or back.
Nasal Gastric Tube (NGT/OGT) - A plastic tube that is placed in the nose or mouth and is secured with tape. It sits in the infant’s stomach to release any trapped air from ventilation and is also used for feeding. Milk or formula can be sent down this tube for feeding an infant until he or she is mature enough or able to feed by mouth.
Nasal Canula - Small soft plastic prongs that are placed in the infant’s nose to deliver oxygen or air. Babies breathe on their own.
NEC (Necrotizing Enterocolitis) - A serious condition where the intestines become sick and may cause the intestines to stop working. It is treated by stopping feedings, and with antibiotics. Sometimes surgery is needed to remove the sick part(s) of the intestine.
Neonatal - The period of time from birth to 28 days.
Newborn Screening Program - New York State has a newborn screening test that looks for some blood and metabolic disorders. All babies will have a small sample of blood taken, usually on the third day of life. If detected early, some of these conditions can be treated. The state contacts parents directly if the results are abnormal.
NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
NPO - Nothing by mouth (no feeding).
Overbed Warmer - A large warmer that can be placed over the opened door of an isolette to keep the infant warm during procedures.
Oxygen - An odorless, colorless gas needed by body cells. We breathe room air, which is 21 percent oxygen; an infant can be given up to 100 percent oxygen if needed.
PCVL (Percutaneous Catheter Venous Line/LONG LINE/PICC) - A long plastic intravenous line placed further into a large vein using a sterile technique that can deliver special nutritional supplements. This line can be left for long periods of time without having to take it out. It is considered a central or deep line.
PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosis) - The ductus is a blood vessel that keeps the blood away from the lungs before an infant is born. Usually the ductus closes shortly after birth. If this vessel stays open (or patent), it may interfere with normal blood flow causing stress to the heart and lungs. PDAs can be treated with medication or surgery if necessary.
Phototherapy (sometimes called Bililights) - A special ultraviolet light used in the treatment of some types of jaundice/hyperbilirubinemia. Phototherapy lights are used to break down and eliminate the bilirubin that causes jaundice. Eye shields are placed over the infant’s eyes to protect them from the light.
Pneumonia - Inflammation or infection in the lungs.
Pneumothorax - A condition where air is trapped in the space between the lungs and the outer covering of the lungs. This buildup of air compresses the lung and makes it hard for it to expand normally.
PO - By mouth that includes gavage and bottle-feeding.
Post Mature - An infant born after his or her due date.
Premature - A baby born before 37 weeks.
Radiant Warmer - One type of bed that babies can be placed in. An overhead heat source keeps the baby warm. A sensor placed on the baby's skin controls the temperature, thus the baby cannot wear a shirt at this time. This bed is open on all sides and allows easy access.
Red Blood Cells - Responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
Reflux - A condition where contents from the stomach come back up into the esophagus (like heartburn) and cause discomfort for the baby.
Respirator (also called a Breathing Machine or Ventilator) - A machine that breathes for the baby. The respirator/ventilator pushes air, pressure and oxygen into the lungs through a special tube (ETT) placed in the baby's nose or mouth and passed down to the trachea (windpipe). The baby may or may not be breathing on his or her own.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) - One of the most common problems found in premature infants. It is the early lung disease that premature infants get due to immature or lack of a lung fluid called surfactant. The air sacs in the lungs collapse (instead of opening up and stretching like little balloons), making it difficult to get enough air into the lungs.
Room Air - The air we all breathe on a day-to-day basis (21 percent).
ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) - A condition in which there is abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eye that can occur in babies who were born prematurely. Every infant born less than 32 weeks and/or 1,500 grams will have their eyes examined when they are about six weeks old to check for ROP.
Saturation Monitor - A monitor that shows the amount of oxygen in the blood. The small monitor is placed around an infant’s foot or hand/wrist and can be easily identified by the red light.
Sepsis - Refers to an infection that occurs in the blood. If there is any question that an infection may be brewing, blood work in drawn (culture, CBC) and antibiotics may also be started.
Septic Work-Up - Refers to the evaluation when an infection in suspected. It usually includes blood drawn for CBC and culture. In some cases the medical team may request that a lumbar puncture, and supra-pubic tap be performed as well.
Servo - A method to control temperature that uses a probe placed on the belly.
Suctioning - The removal of mucus/formula from the mouth and nose with a small tube.
Surfactant - An artificial substance that is delivered directly into the lungs through the breathing tube that prevents the air sacs from collapsing.
Tachycardia - A heart rate that is faster than the average range. Average range for premature infants is 140-160.
Tachypnea - A breathing rate that is faster than the average range. Average range for premature infants is 40-60.
TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition) - Special nutrition that is given through a vein. TPN is used in infants who cannot be fed breast milk or formula or as a supplement until full nutrition can be given by mouth. See 'Hyperalimentation.'
Transfusion - Treatment that provides blood or blood products intravenously. A consent form must be signed by the baby’s parent or guardian for this to take place, but exceptions are made in the case of a life-threatening emergency that requires an immediate transfusion.
UAC (Umbilical Artery Catheter) - A soft, clear catheter placed into one of the umbilical cord vessels (artery and/or vein). These are used to monitor BP, give fluids, and draw blood for testing without having to prick the baby. These lines are placed at birth using sterile technique.
UVC (Umbilical Venous Catheter) - A soft, clear catheter placed into one of the umbilical cord vessels (artery and/or vein). These are used to monitor BP, give fluids, and draw blood for testing without having to prick the baby. These lines are placed at birth using sterile technique.
Ultrasound - A procedure that uses sound waves to produce a picture of internal organs. (i.e. brain, heart, kidneys, liver, etc.) Every infant born less than 1,500 grams will receive at least one head ultrasound. The medical team may request that an infant not falling into the <1,500 gram category receive a head ultrasound.
Umbilicus (Belly Button) - The umbilical cord, which usually dries up and falls off after a short time, is used to support the UAC/UVC lines.
Veins - Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the lungs for oxygenation.
Ventilator - A machine used to help an infant breathe. The machine connects to the ETT that has been placed into the trachea (see also 'respirator').
Ventricles (of the brain) - Spaces in the brain where spinal fluid circulates.
Vernix - The thick white substance that protects the infant’s skin in the womb. Premature infants do not usually have vernix as they haven't had time to make it.
Vital Signs - The combination of temperature, heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure being recorded on the infant.
Vitamin K - A vitamin shot usually given once shortly after birth to help the blood clot normally. All infants receive this IM injection.
White Blood Cells - Cells in the body responsible for fighting infection.
X-rays - A picture taken at the bedside to check the placement of ETT, UAC, UVC and Long Lines. X-rays may also be used to check on lung, heart, and bowel condition, as well as for evaluating for any evidence of infection or fracture of the bones.