When your baby is admitted to the Neonatal Unit, it may
suddenly seem as if the staff is speaking an unknown language. Not only are you
faced with equipment that looks and sounds strange, but the physicians and nurses
use medical terms that may sound strange too. We have listed a few words below
that you may hear from time to time as well as a brief description of some equipment
that may be used in the NICU.
Monitors: All babies are placed
on a cardiac/respiratory monitor. We use the monitors to help
record your baby’s temperature, blood pressure heart rate,
and respiratory rate. Some babies are on a different monitor that
evaluates oxygenation.
Warmers: A warming table is a special
bed that has a temperature probe that rests on your baby’s
skin to monitors your baby’s temperature. The warmer is very
useful for babies that need close observation and frequent intervention.
Isolette: An isolette, or incubator, is a special
plexiglass-enclosed bed that provides staff with clear observation of your baby.
The isolette can provide humidity and warmth for your baby.
Apnea: Sometimes premature babies will pause
in breathing. If this happens the monitors will alarm. The nurses will gently
remind your baby to breath by tickling his/her feet or by using a bag and mask
to provide your baby with oxygen.
Bradycardia: Monitors have certain limits for
heart rate and respiratory rate. If a baby’s heart rate slows down, the monitor
will alarm. Usually this occurs because the baby’s respiratory function is
immature, causing the heart to respond by beating more slowly.
Nasal Cannula: Tiny prongs that fit into your
baby’s nose that provide oxygen.
Oxygen Hood: A plastic bubble that fits over
the baby’s head to allow oxygen and humidity to be given to the baby.
Umbilical
Catheter: An intravenous or arterial line in the baby’s
navel that provides nourishment when the
baby is unable to eat and allows monitoring
of blood pressure. Blood specimens for lab
work can be drawn from these lines as well.
Respirator: A machine that will provide oxygen
and breathes for your baby until he/she can breathe independently.
Bilirubin Lamp: A special
light that helps babies with jaundice. Babies wear
eye protection when under the light.
Endotracheal Tube: A small tube that is inserted
in the baby’s mouth or nose to the trachea or windpipe. The
endotracheal tube is connected to a ventilator.
Gavage: A tube feeding. A very small tube is placed
in the baby’s mouth or nose and goes down to the stomach. Formula or breast
milk is then gravity fed or continuously fed to the baby. This method is used
to provide nourishment until the baby can breastfeed.
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
