When a child is admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), parents often find themselves surrounded by complex medical terms and abbreviations. Understanding this terminology can help reduce anxiety and make it easier to communicate with doctors and nurses.
As a Consultant Pediatrician and Pediatric Intensivist in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Dr. Parth Dalal believes in empowering parents with knowledge so they can actively participate in their child’s care. This guide explains common PICU terms in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
1. Common PICU Equipment and Monitoring Terms
- Ventilator – A machine that helps your child breathe if they cannot do so on their own. It delivers oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.
- Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) – The percentage of oxygen in your child’s blood, monitored using a small device on the finger or toe. Normal levels are usually above 95%.
- Endotracheal Tube (ET Tube) – A tube placed in the windpipe (trachea) to help your child breathe when on a ventilator.
- Central Line – A special type of IV catheter inserted into a large vein to deliver medications, fluids, or nutrition directly into the bloodstream.
- Arterial Line (A-Line) – A thin tube inserted into an artery (usually in the wrist) to continuously monitor blood pressure and draw blood samples.
- ECG or EKG (Electrocardiogram) – A test that records the electrical activity of the heart to check for any abnormalities.
- Blood Gas Test (ABG/VBG) – A test that measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acidity levels in the blood, helping doctors assess lung and kidney function.
- IV Drip/Infusion – A method of delivering fluids, medications, or nutrition directly into a vein.
Tip: If you see unfamiliar equipment in the PICU, ask your child’s nurse or doctor to explain its purpose.
2. Common PICU Medications and Treatments
- Sedation – Medications used to keep your child calm, comfortable, or asleep during treatments.
- Pain Management (Analgesia) – Medications given to relieve pain, including paracetamol, ibuprofen, or opioids like morphine if needed.
- Antibiotics/Antivirals – Medications used to treat bacterial or viral infections, often given through an IV.
- Diuretics – Medications that help remove excess fluid from the body, especially for children with heart or kidney issues.
- Pressors/Inotropes – Medications that help maintain blood pressure and heart function in critically ill children.
- Nebulization Therapy – A treatment where medications are converted into a mist and inhaled to help with breathing problems like asthma or pneumonia.
- Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) – Nutrition delivered directly into the bloodstream when a child cannot eat normally.
Tip: Always ask about any medication being administered, including what it does and possible side effects.
3. Common PICU Diagnoses and Conditions
- Sepsis – A life-threatening response to infection that affects the entire body, requiring intensive monitoring and treatment.
- ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) – A severe lung condition where oxygen levels drop, often requiring ventilator support.
- Pneumonia – A lung infection that causes difficulty breathing and may require oxygen or ventilation support.
- Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) – A heart condition present from birth that may require surgery or intensive care.
- Neurological Disorders (Seizures, Meningitis, Encephalitis) – Conditions affecting the brain and nervous system, sometimes requiring close monitoring.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – A condition caused by head injuries that may require ventilators, surgery, or medications to reduce brain swelling.
- Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) – A rare but serious condition linked to COVID-19, affecting multiple organs.
Tip: If you don’t understand your child’s diagnosis, ask for a simple explanation. Your doctor will be happy to clarify.
4. PICU Care and Procedures
- Rounds – A time when doctors, nurses, and specialists discuss your child’s progress and treatment plan. Parents can listen and ask questions.
- Weaning Off Ventilator – A gradual process where doctors help your child regain independent breathing before removing the ventilator.
- Extubation – The removal of the breathing tube once your child can breathe on their own.
- Code Blue – A medical emergency where a child requires immediate resuscitation due to a life-threatening condition.
- Step-Down Unit – A transitional care area where children stay after leaving the PICU but still need close monitoring before moving to a regular ward.
- Discharge Planning – The process of preparing for your child’s return home, including medication instructions and follow-up care.
Tip: Keep a list of important medical events during your child’s PICU stay to discuss with doctors and for future reference.
The PICU can feel overwhelming, but understanding medical terminology can help you feel more in control and involved in your child’s care. If you ever feel confused, don’t hesitate to ask the PICU team for clarification.
Dr. Parth Dalal, a leading Pediatrician and Pediatric Intensivist in Pimpri-Chinchwad, is committed to supporting families through critical medical situations with expertise and compassionate care. His goal is to ensure parents understand their child’s condition, treatments, and recovery process.
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