A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 101
Glossary
Pulse: The rhythmic expansion and
contraction of an artery with blood
flow that may be felt with the finger.
Pulse oximeter: A monitor which
measures the amount of oxygen in
the baby’s bloodstream. It is usually
fixed to the foot or the hand. It has a
red light.
R
Radiologist: A doctor with special
training in obtaining and reading
X-rays and other imaging tests such
as barium enemas and ultrasounds.
Registered dietitian (RD):
An expert in nutrition who has a
four-year college degree. RDs have
passed a national examination
administered by the Commission
on Dietetic Registration. Registered
dieticians who work in the NICU
also have had additional training
in nutrition for children. These
health professionals work with
neonatologists and nurses to help
make sure the baby is getting all
the nutrients required for healthy
growth.
Registered nurse: A health
professional who has passed
a written examination after
graduating from a college or hospital
nursing program. Registered nurses
in NICUs have experience in caring
for sick newborns.
Respirator: A machine (also known
as a ventilator) that regularly pumps
air in and out of the lungs when the
baby cannot breathe for itself.
Respiratory distress syndrome
(RDS): Also known as Hyaline
Membrane Disease. Usually, the
baby’s lungs are kept open by
surfactant, which is a chemical
that everyone has in their lungs.
Some babies have less surfactant
and the alveoli (small air sacs in the
lungs) start to close up, making it
difficult for a baby to breathe. This
can develop into RDS, increasing
the difficulty of breathing. Babies
are ventilated and may be given
artificial surfactant.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV):
A common virus that gives people
a cold. This can be more serious
in premature babies and cause
infections such as pneumonia or
bronchiolitis.
Respiratory therapist: A health
professional trained to care for
babies with breathing problems
and to use the medical equipment
needed to care for these babies.
Respite: Regular breaks from
caring for a family member. These
breaks are often called respite and
the services that help you arrange
breaks are usually called respite
care services.
Retina: The back of the eye where
blood vessels supplying the lightsensitive cells are located.
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP):
The abnormal growth of the blood
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
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