The Intern Blues(153)
hyperbaric chamber The center on City Island in New York City where the barometric pressure can be increased. Patients who have inhaled smoke and have a high level of carbon monoxide in their blood are sent there for treatment.
hypoxia A deficiency of oxygen in the blood. May lead to brain damage.
infantile spasms A particularly severe and damaging type of seizure disorder.
interosseous infusion Procedure in which fluids or drugs are injected into the bone; used in dire emergencies when an IV cannot be started.
intracardiac infusion Procedure in which drugs are injected directly into the heart; used as a last-ditch effort to save a patient’s life when IV access cannot be established.
intracranial bleed A hemorrhage into the brain; usually causes brain damage or death.
intubation Procedure in which an endotracheal tube (see above) is inserted through the vocal cords and into the main breathing tube.
Isuprel drip Constant infusion of isoproterenol, a drug used in severe asthma.
IVDA Abbreviation for intravenous drug abuser.
kerlix Rolls of bandages, often used to restrain little children.
KUB Abbreviation for kidneys, ureter, bladder; a type of X ray in which the abdomen is examined.
Lasix A diuretic drug used in hypertension and heart disease.
lidocaine A local anesthetic.
LMD Abbreviation for local M.D. The patient’s private doctor.
LMP Last menstrual period. Important because it’s used to determine how premature a baby is.
LP Lumbar puncture; a procedure in which a needle is inserted through the back and into the spinal canal so that a sample of CSF (see above) can be obtained for study. Also known as spinal tap.
main-stem bronchus One of the two main tubes connecting the trachea and the lungs.
M and M conference Morbidity and mortality conference, a teaching exercise at which a patient who has died is discussed.
meconium The baby’s first bowel movement; when meconium is passed while the baby is still in the womb, it often is a sign of fetal distress and can lead to respiratory problems if it is aspirated.
mediastinum The central part of the chest that houses the heart.
membranes The structures that contain the fetus, the placenta, and the amniotic fluid. Rupturing of the membranes, followed by a gush of amniotic fluid, often causes the onset of labor.
meningomyelocoele A defect in the spine, present at birth, that often is associated with hydrocephalus, neurologic deficits of the legs, and urologic abnormalities. Also called spina bifida.
methotrexate A chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of some cancers.
“mets to the brain” Metastatic cancer affecting the brain.
mitral stenosis Tightness of the valve that separates the heart’s left atrium and left ventricle.
monilia A type of fungus that frequently causes diaper rash in infants; also affects patients with immune deficiencies such as AIDS.
NEC Abbreviation for necrotizing enterocolitis, a severe disorder affecting the intestines of some premature babies.
nephrotic syndrome A condition affecting the kidneys that results in the inability to retain protein.
neuroblastoma A relatively common form of cancer that affects children.
neurofibromatosis A genetically inherited disorder that can cause abnormalities of the skin, the central nervous system, and other organs. Also known as the Elephant Man Disease.
NICU Abbreviation for neonatal intensive-care unit.
night float A resident who is scheduled to work the overnight shift in the emergency room.
NPO Abbreviation meaning “nothing by mouth.” Ordered for patients with intestinal abnormalities and patients who are pre-op.
occipital hematoma Hemorrhage into the back part of the skull or the underlying brain.
OPD Outpatient Department, composed of the ER and clinics.
orthopods Internese for orthopedic surgeons.
osteogenic sarcoma A type of cancer affecting bones.
otitis media Infection of the middle ear. Very common cause of fever in infants and young children.
oxacillin A type of antibiotic.
painful crisis A complication/result of sickle-cell disease; sickling of red blood cells leads to lack of oxygen reaching the tissues and results in development of severe pain.
pancytopenia Deficiency of all types of blood cells, both red and white.
patent foramen ovale An opening between the two atria of the heart. If untreated, it might eventually lead to pulmonary hypertension (see below).
Pavulon A drug that paralyzes the recipient; used in patients on respirators who are agitated and said to be “fighting the machine.”
PDA Abbreviation for patent ductus arteriosus, a congenital defect of the cardiovascular system that is common in premature infants.
perineum The genital region.
periorbital cellulitis An infection of the skin surrounding the eye. Dangerous because it can lead to infection of the eye (orbital cellulitis), which can lead to infection of the brain.