Neonatal intensive care unit

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Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) /niːəˈneɪtəl ˈɪntɛnsɪv kɛər ˈjuːnɪt/ is a specialized department of a hospital that provides intensive care for newborn infants with health issues.

Etymology

The term "Neonatal" comes from neo- "new" + natal "pertaining to birth or origin". "Intensive Care Unit" is a term used in healthcare to describe a department that provides intensive treatment medicine.

Description

A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, often also called a newborn intensive care unit, specializes in the care of ill or premature newborn infants. These units have advanced technology and trained healthcare professionals to provide specialized care for the tiniest patients. NICUs may also have intermediate or continuing care areas for babies who are not as sick but do need specialized nursing care.

Related Terms

  • Premature birth: A birth that takes place more than three weeks before the baby's estimated due date.
  • Neonatology: A subspecialty of pediatrics that consists of the medical care of newborn infants, especially the ill or premature newborn.
  • Pediatrics: The branch of medicine dealing with the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents from birth up to the age of 18.
  • Intensive Care Unit (ICU): A department of a hospital where critically ill patients are housed for treatment by a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals.

External links

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