Glossary of Common NICU Terms

A–E | F–J | K–O | P–T | U–Z

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U

Ultrasound: Imaging of body parts using sound waves. The reflected sound waves are then analyzed by computer and turned into pictures.
Umbilical Arterial Catheter (UAC): Catheter (small tube) placed in a belly button artery. It is used to check blood pressure, draw blood samples and give fluids.
Umbilical Venous Catheter (UVC): Catheter (small tube) placed in the belly button vein. It is used to give the baby fluids and medications.

Ventilator (“Vent”): A machine that assists adults or children to breathe. Lung immaturity in prematurely born infants is the most common reason for a newborn to require a ventilator.
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: A plastic catheter (shunt) surgically placed in the ventricle of the brain to drain spinal fluid from the brain into the abdominal cavity. Used to treat hydrocephalus.
Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW): A baby born weighing less than 3 pounds, 5 ounces (1,500 grams) and more than 2 pounds, 3 ounces (1,000 grams). See also Low Birth Weight and Extremely Low Birth Weight.
Vital Signs Monitor: A machine measuring and displaying heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure on a computer screen. If these vital signs become abnormal, an alarm usually sounds.

Warmer: Also known as a Radiant Warmer, this bed allows maximum access to a sick baby. Radiant heaters above the bed keep the baby warm. Generally, a baby progresses from a warmer to an isolette to an open crib before leaving the NICU.

Glossary: A–E | F–J | K–O | P–T | U–Z