Barium Enema: A procedure in which Barium is given as an enema. Barium is a radiopaque [will show up on x-ray] substance. A series of x-ray are taken after the enema is given to watch the bowel movement.
Third spacing: When the body serum protein levels become low the body will pull fluid from within the blood vesels out. The fluid then goes to the space [interstitial space] around all the cells and edema [or swelling] occurs.
Albumin 5%: A protein based fluid which is given as a volume expander. This would help if your baby is hypo-tensive [low blood pressure].
Albumin 25%: A protein based fluid which is given to help increase the protein levels in the blood.
Endotrachel tube [ET tube]:
plastic tube inserted in through the mouth into the trachea for ventilation.
The tube does not go in to the lungs, it sits below the collar bone
in the trachea. It holds the vocal chords
open so you will not hear the baby cry or make noises. This
has a tendency to come out and need to be
replaced.
Intubation: The act of putting in the ET tube.
Oscillator: This is a type of respirator for babies who have severe lung damage. Holds the lungs open like a balloon and shakes them from 600 to 900 times per minute. Premature lungs do not have fully functioning air sacs [aveoli]. The air sacs are where the oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange takes place. The shaking motion will allow for continuous exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Ventilator: A type of respirator which breathes just like we do, in and out. It will deliver a set number of breathes per minute [oxygen and pressure] and the baby can help as mu ch or as little as he wants. The babys lungs have developed enough functioning air sacs to be able to sustain normal respirations.
Umbilical IV lines: The cord has two arteries and one vein. The doctors can place a special IV line in one artery and/or one vein for a maximum of two lines. Both of these lines should allow you to draw blood and are used for fluids and medicines. If you have the arterial line you will also get a continous blood pressure reading. The benefits of the umbilical IV lines are they are pain-free insertion and eliminates the need for needles. Upon admission the doctor will determine if the cord is suitable for these lines. Once baby is out of critical state these lines will be removed.
PICC IV line: Also called silastic line. These can be placed by a certified nurse. They can be placed in the head, arms or legs. Unlike a regular IV which has a short catheter, the PICC line has a long catheter which winds its way through the vein stopping close to the heart without actually entering the heart itself. This allows for blood draws for lab. PICC lines may last for several weeks.
Central Line: Placed by surgeons. This is a short catheter which is placed directly in to a larger vein. The most common places are the subclavian [located just below the collar bone] and fermoral [groin area] veins. These may last several weeks and also allow for blood draw.
Chest Tube: A
plastic catheter inserted in to the pleural cavity of the lung to remove
air accumulated as a result of a pneumothorax. The catheter is attached
to suction