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PICU Glossary

  • Alarms - all machines have alarms to signal changes in the patient's condition. The alarms assist the team in responding to changes. Not all alarms signal an emergency.
  • Antibiotic -  a medication given to treat bacterial infections.
  • Arterial Line - a soft plastic catheter that monitors heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Blood Gas -  A sample of blood taken from an artery or vein that tells how well your child is breathing. These samples are called an ABG (from an artery), a VBG (from a vein) or a CBG (from a capillary).
  • Blood Pressure - a measure of how strongly the heart is pumping to circulate blood around the body.
  • Cat Scan (CT) - a series of computerized X-rays used to show detailed views of the brain, abdomen and other parts of the body.
  • Central Line -  an intravenous tube placed in a large vein to allow administration of medication, nutrition, or measurement of central venous pressure (CVP).
  • Central Venous Pressure (CVP) - the pressure in the large vein that brings blood directly to the heart.
  • Chest Tube -  a tube that is put in the space next to the lungs, between the ribs to drain air or fluid.
  • CPT (Chest Physiotherapy) -  the respiratory therapist uses a soft rubber, cupped device known as a bopper or uses their cupped hands to pat the chest wall for mucous clearance.
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG) - a test given to record brain activity using small disks placed on the child's scalp.
  • Endotracheal (ET) Tube - a soft plastic tube that is inserted through the nose or windpipe, and is connected to a ventilator to help with breathing. Because the tube passes through the vocal cords, your child cannot cry or speak out loud while the tube is in place.
  • Extubation -  removing the ET tube from the windpipe in order to allow the patient to breathe on their own.
  • Foley Catheter - a soft plastic tube that is inserted in the bladder to drain and measure the amount of urine produced.
  • Intracranial Pressure (ICP) -  the pressure inside the brain.
  • Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Monitoring Device -  a sensor that is inserted through the skull to monitor pressure. It is sometimes called an ICP bolt.
  • Intravenous (IV) Tube -  a soft plastic tube that is inserted into a vein to provide fluids, nutrition and medication to the child.
  • Intubation - inserting the ET tube into the windpipe in order to use a ventilator to help the child's breathing.
  • IPV (Intrapulmonary Precussor Ventilator) - a machine that is attached to the ET tube, a facemask or mouthpiece used for mucous clearance and medication delivery to the lungs. The IPV machine is used for a more aggressive treatment. The machine uses short bursts of air to percuss (vibrate) the airways internally.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - a specific X-ray that uses a magnetic field to show injured areas more clearly.
  • Nasogastric Tube (NG Tube) -  a soft plastic tube going through the nose and into the stomach; used either to drain fluid, to give formula, or to give medications.
  • Neuro Signs - tests administered to evaluate the child's response to touch, light and sound.
  • NPO - nothing passes orally, nothing to eat or drink.
  • Oxygen (O2) - oxygen is a gas to help with breathing. O2 can be given through a mask, a hood, a nasal cannula, or ventilator connected to an endotracheal tube. We breathe 21% oxygen in open air.
  • Oxygen Saturation (O2 SAT) -  a measure of the oxygen in the blood. When the oxygen level in the blood is too low it is called a desaturation or "desat".
  • Pulse Oximeter - a Band-Aid type of device that indirectly measures the oxygen level in the blood. The sensor is fastened to the child's finger or toe.
  • Transfusion - giving blood or blood products intravenously to correct a low blood count.
  • Transpyloric Tube (TPT) -  a tube placed through the nose or mouth that passes through the stomach into the beginning of the small intestine. The TPT is used to feed patients while on ventilators.
  • Ventilator/Respirator -  a machine that is attached to an ET tube that delivers air and oxygen to the child. It is used for patients who cannot breathe effectively on their own.
  • Vital Signs - measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature.
  • Weaning -  the process of slowly getting a child off a ventilator or medications as their health improves.