Glossary:
A neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be like a foreign country. You need to learn new language, tests and equipment in order to make the most informed decisions for your baby. This glossary can help.
Staff in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
This glossary describes the roles of various NICU staff members, including the neonatologist, the neonatal clinical nurse specialist, and the respiratory therapist.
Common NICU Equipment
This glossary describes equipment used to help premature or sick babies, including monitors, C-PAP, endotracheal tubes, the pulse oximeter and the ventilator.
Common NICU Tests
This glossary describes common NICU tests, including CAT or CT scan, echocardiogram, MRI, and newborn screening tests.
Common Conditions Treated in the NICU
This glossary describes conditions such as apnea, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), jaundice and respiratory distress syndrome.
Medical Equipment at Home
Some babies require special medical equipment when they go home from the hospital. This equipment includes the apnea monitor and feeding tubes.
Quick NICU Reference Guide
This quick-reference guide provides short, easy-to-understand definitions of terms commonly used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
