Glossary - High-Risk Newborn

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

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air leak - when air leaks through holes in the lung tissue into the spaces outside the lung airways.

alveoli - tiny sacs that are the smallest airways of the lungs.

apnea - to stop breathing.

asphyxia - a general term used to describe inadequate intake of oxygen by the baby.

B

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bilirubin - substance formed when red blood cells break down and are excreted by the liver. Too much bilirubin in the blood causes jaundice.

bradycardia - slowing of the heart rate.

bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) - see chronic lung disease.

C

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chronic lung disease (Also called CLD or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.) - a term for long-term respiratory problems in premature babies that results from lung injury from treatments with mechanical ventilators and oxygen.

continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) - air or oxygen delivered under a small amount of pressure.

cytomegalovirus (CMV) - a virus related to the herpes virus group of infections.

D

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Dubowitz/Ballard exam - An examination used to estimate a newborn's gestational age from the baby's appearance, skin texture, motor function, and reflexes.

E

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electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and detects heart muscle damage.

endotracheal tube (ET) - a tube placed through the mouth or nose into the trachea (windpipe).

F

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fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) - one of the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), a group of abnormalities in babies born to mothers who consume alcohol during pregnancy.

G

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gavage feedings - feedings given through a tube inserted in the baby's mouth or nose into the stomach.

H

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hemolytic disease of the newborn - a condition that occurs when there is an incompatibility between the blood types of the mother and baby, causing breaking down of red blood cells.

hemorrhagic disease of the newborn - Vitamin K deficiency disorder, a bleeding problem that occurs in a newborn during the first few days of life caused by a deficiency in vitamin K.

hyaline membrane disease (HMD) - see respiratory distress syndrome.

hyperglycemia - high amounts of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

hyperkalemia - high amounts of potassium in the blood.

hypernatremia - high amounts of sodium (salt) in the blood.

hypocalcemia