Jordan Ellis
Many medical terms used in hospitals can sound like a foreign language to kids (and adults too!). It's important for doctors and nurses to explain these terms in simple, easy-to-understand ways so that children and their families can make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Let's explore some common hospital terms and their meanings, empowering us with knowledge and helping us navigate the healthcare system more confidently.
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What You'll Learn
Gestational age and low birth weight
When a baby is born, doctors and nurses need to check that everything is ok with the baby and the person who gave birth. One of the things they check is how much the baby weighs. This is important because it can tell doctors and nurses if the baby might have any health problems.
A baby's weight is measured as soon as possible after they are born, and this is called their birth weight. If a baby weighs less than 5 pounds and 8 ounces, they are what doctors call "low birth weight". About 1 in 12 babies (or 8%) in the United States are born with low birth weight.
Babies can have low birth weight for lots of different reasons. Sometimes, it's because their parents are small, so the baby is naturally smaller too. Sometimes, it's because something happened during the pregnancy that slowed down the baby's growth. This is called fetal growth restriction, or FGR. FGR can be caused by problems with the placenta, which is the part of the body that gives food and oxygen to the baby while they are growing inside the parent.
Doctors and nurses can check if a baby might have low birth weight before they are born by measuring the size of the parent's uterus (that's the part of the body where the baby grows). They can also use something called an ultrasound, which helps them see what the baby looks like inside. If a baby is small, they might have some problems when they are born. They might have trouble eating, gaining weight, and fighting off infections, which are things that healthy babies can do easily.
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NICU terms like DIC, diuretic, and Down syndrome
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a condition that can occur when there is an infection, or due to hypoxia, acidosis, or other diseases or injuries. When someone has DIC, their blood platelets and clotting factors are affected, which can lead to excessive bleeding. This is because the body does not have enough platelets and clotting factors to control bleeding. To treat DIC, doctors may give the patient a transfusion of platelets or perform an exchange transfusion to replace the affected blood.
Diuretic is a type of medication that helps the body get rid of extra water by increasing urine production. Diuretics are sometimes used to treat medical conditions such as high blood pressure or fluid retention.
Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition that affects a person's development and physical features. It occurs when a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21. This extra chromosome can cause a range of physical and developmental effects, including distinct facial features, and it may also lead to other medical problems. While Down syndrome can cause varying degrees of intellectual disability, many people with this condition live happy and healthy lives. There are three types of Down syndrome, and it is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States, affecting about 5,700 babies each year.
The NICU, or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, is a special hospital ward for premature babies and newborns who need extra medical care. These babies may be critically ill or medically unstable and require complex treatments. In the NICU, babies can receive specialized care, such as breathing support from ventilators, treatment for chronic lung disease, and monitoring to ensure they are not consuming anything by mouth (NPO) if that could put them at risk.
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Medical procedures like lumbar puncture and phototherapy
Lumbar Puncture
A lumbar puncture is a medical procedure that is performed to examine the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and delivering nutrients to the brain. During a lumbar puncture, a doctor will ask the child to lie on their side and curl up, or sit up and lean forward. The doctor will then clean the lower back area and cover the surrounding parts with a sterile cloth. By inserting a needle into the space between the vertebrae, the doctor can either collect a sample of CSF for testing or administer medication directly into the CSF. This procedure is generally safe when carried out correctly, and the small amount of fluid removed is quickly replaced by the body.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy, or light therapy, is a medical procedure that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to treat certain skin disorders. It is safe for both children and adults, although certain medical conditions may increase the risk of side effects. Before the procedure, a healthcare provider will set up the equipment and provide protective eyewear and sunscreen to shield the patient's eyes and skin from the UV light. The patient may need to remove their clothing, depending on the treatment area. During the procedure, the patient will stand, sit, or lie down in a light booth, or place the affected body part in a hand/foot phototherapy unit. The UV light exposure will be controlled by the provider to prevent skin damage. Phototherapy sessions typically last from seconds to minutes and occur multiple times a week for several months.
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Common illnesses like chickenpox, asthma, and diabetes
Chickenpox, asthma, and diabetes are common illnesses that affect many children. Here's a simple guide to help explain these conditions to kids:
Chickenpox: Imagine your skin is covered in tiny red lights like twinkling stars. That's what chickenpox looks like! It's caused by a virus, and the spots can be very itchy. The good news is that chickenpox usually goes away on its own, and you can use special lotions to help with the itching. Also, getting vaccinated is like putting on an invisible shield that protects you from the chickenpox virus!
Asthma: Picture a narrow tunnel that makes it hard to breathe. That's what asthma can feel like. It's like having a stuffy nose, but in your chest. Asthma can make it tricky to run and play as freely as you'd like. But don't worry, there are special medicines called inhalers that can help open up that tunnel, making it easier to breathe and letting you join in on all the fun again!
Diabetes: Think of your body as a machine that needs the right fuel to run smoothly. Diabetes is when your body has trouble using that fuel properly. The fuel is called glucose, which comes from the food we eat. Sometimes, our bodies don't make enough insulin, which is like a key that helps unlock our cells to let glucose in. So, we might need to take insulin as a medicine to help our bodies use glucose better. It's important to keep an eye on how much glucose is in our blood, and we can do that with special tools that check our blood sugar levels.
Remember, these conditions might sound scary, but doctors, nurses, and other health experts are like superheroes who know just what to do to help you feel better! They can give you the right treatments and medicines to tackle these illnesses head-on.
It's always a good idea to ask questions and learn more about these common illnesses. By understanding them, we can take care of ourselves and our friends if we ever need to deal with chickenpox, asthma, or diabetes.
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Medical conditions like cancer, cuts, and bruises
Medical Conditions: Cancer
Children understand cancer diagnoses differently depending on their age. Younger children may struggle to understand the complexity of a cancer diagnosis and what to expect right away and in the future. They might think of being sick as having a cough or a cold and may worry that they can "catch" cancer. They may also fear being separated from their parents and feel abandoned, especially if it's a parent who has cancer. Reassure them that their loved one's distress and sadness are because of the cancer and that the family will get through this challenging time together. Explain things simply and focus on what is happening now rather than the future. Offer frequent reassurance and hugs.
For older children, more detail about the cancer can be provided, but be mindful not to overwhelm them with information. Be open and honest, answering any questions they might have. Listen for unasked questions, especially regarding their health and well-being. Encourage them to express their feelings and let them know it's okay to have fun and be a kid, even during this difficult time.
Cuts and Bruises
Cuts and bruises are common among children, especially toddlers learning to walk and older kids exploring activities like tree climbing. Explain to them that bruises occur when the blood vessels under the skin break, causing blood to leak out and form a bruise. Reassure them that bruising is typically nothing to worry about as long as there are no broken blood vessels or unusual locations.
For cuts, explain that they happen when the skin is accidentally punctured or torn, causing bleeding. Reassure them that cuts are usually not serious and can be easily treated with first aid, such as cleaning the wound and applying a bandage.
Self-Harm and Cutting
If you discover that your teen is engaging in self-harm or cutting, it's important to approach the conversation with compassion and support. Express your concern, love, and willingness to help. Let them know that self-harm is often a way to cope with intense emotions, pressures, or traumatic experiences. Reassure them that you want to understand and find ways to help. Avoid reacting with fear, disgust, or punishment, as this may make them feel ashamed or embarrassed and less likely to open up. Encourage open communication and provide a safe space for them to express their feelings.
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Frequently asked questions
This term is used for patients who come into the hospital regularly. These patients may have chronic conditions that require constant care or they may be hypochondriacs who often complain about minor issues.
This is a humorous term used to tease someone who is overweight.
This term is used to refer to healthcare professionals who can communicate quickly while walking and efficiently handle multiple patients at once.
