Information for Parents

Definitions

Ambu bag and Mask

A piece of equipment consisting of a rubber bag and face mask which, when squeezed by hand, fills the lungs with oxygen and assists breathing.

Antibiotics/Antimicrobials

Drugs which either destroy microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) or slow their growth. These drugs are used in treating infections.

Arterial Catheter (A-Line)

A special catheter that is placed in an artery and used to check blood pressure and draw blood samples. These catheters reduce the number of needlesticks for blood tests that your child may require.

Assessment

A periodic examination of your child by the physician or the nurse.

Blood Gases (ABG's)

A laboratory test to determine the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. This test helps in the assessment of lung and heart function.

Chest Physical Therapy (chest PT)

Therapy done by patting on the chest to loosen secretions.

Chest Tubes

Tubes inserted through the skin, into the space around the lungs to drain fluid or air.

Chest X-Ray

An x-ray picture of the chest showing the heart, lungs, and tubes or catheters that have been placed.

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

A graphic picture of the heart rhythm

Endotracheal Tube (ET tube)

A tube inserted through the nose or mouth into the windpipe (trachea) to maintain an open airway and permit removal of secretions. This tube is usually connected to a ventilator.

Foley

A catheter placed in the bladder to drain urine.

Intake and Output (I&O)

An accounting of fluid taken in, lost or secreted.

Nasogastric Tube (NG Tube)

A tube placed through the nose into the stomach to remove or administer medications or fluids .

NPO

An abbreviation meaning no food or drink by mouth.

O.R.

An abbreviation used for the operating room.

Oxygen (O2)

A colorless, odorless gas found in air and required to sustain life. The oxygen content of room air is about 21%.

Pulse Oximeter

A sensor that is placed on the hand or foot to monitor the concentration of oxygen in the patient's blood.

Respirator or Ventilator

A machine used to deliver oxygen into the lungs to assist breathing.

Sepsis

Infection in the blood or other tissues.

Spinal Tap (LP-Lumbar Puncture)

Insertion of a small needle through the skin of the lower back into the spinal canal to obtain a sample of spinal fluid.

Suction

Removal of mucous and fluid from the nose, mouth or endotracheal tube.

Vital Signs

Temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure.

The Critical Care Team

Your child will be cared for by members of a highly skilled health care team consisting of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals.

Attending Physician
A physician who is Board-certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Critical Care Medicine and who is responsible for the coordination and supervision of your child's care.

Fellow
A physician who has completed specialty training in Pediatrics and is specializing in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

Resident
A physician who is training to be a specialist in Pediatrics.

Certified Social Worker
A person experienced in assisting children and their families with the stresses of serious illness and hospitalization.

Nurse Manager
The primary nurse responsible for the management of the unit and the coordination of your child's care.

Assistant Nurse Manager
A nurse who assists in the management of the unit's activities and the coordination of your child's care.

Critical Care Nurse
A registered nurse specially trained in caring for critically ill children.

Respiratory Therapist
A technician who is state-licensed in the operation and maintenance of various types of equipment, administration of oxygen therapy and ventilator management.

Patient Care Technician
A technician who is specifically trained to assist the nurse in caring for critically ill patients.