A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 95
Glossary
example, for a baby born 12 weeks
early, at 28 weeks gestation; at 9
months after birth, the corrected
age is 6 months.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway
Pressure): A continuous amount
of air used to keep the air sacs in a
baby’s lungs open to prevent them
from collapsing. Usually delivered
through prongs in their nose.
CPR: Cardiopulmonary
resuscitation.
D
Desaturation: The drop in the
amount of oxygen in the blood.
Echocardiogram: Ultrasound
examination that is used to study
the heart. It can detect structural
problems (heart defects) and
problems with how the heart works.
Eclampsia: Seizures, occurring in
women with pre-eclampsia.
Endocrinologist: A specialist
doctor trainedin the diagnosis and
treatment of infants with hormone
problems and also specialises in the
field of diabetes.
Endotracheal tube (ET tube):
A plastic tube that is passed
through the baby’s nose or mouth
into the windpipe (trachea)
and is connected to a ventilator
(respirator).
Endotracheal Tube
Developmental delay: A delay in
reaching certain developmental
milestones, relative to children
of the same age. These may be
temporary or permanent.
E
Diaphragm: A sheet of internal
muscle that extends across
the bottom of the rib cage. The
diaphragm separates the thoracic
cavity (heart, lungs and ribs) from
the abdominal cavity performing an
important function in respiration.
Dietitian: A dietitian has special
training in nutritional support
(feeding). Dieticians help determine
if your baby is getting enough
nutrients and may recommend
some choices of nutrition that can
be given through the blood or a
feeding tube.
Exchange transfusion: Special type
of blood transfusion in which some
of the baby’s blood is removed
and replaced with blood from a
donor; sometimes used to treat
severe jaundice.
Extended posture: A position a
baby may lie in with straight arms
and legs.
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
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