Arterial line: a small tube or catheter that is inserted into the artery to continuously monitor blood pressure.

Blood pressure cuff: a large cuff placed on the arm or leg, which may automatically or manually be inflated so that the amount of pressure in the arteries can be measured.

Brain Death: irreversible death of the entire brain; breathing stops in the absence of a ventilator. The kidneys may not work properly. Some spinal reflexes may remain. This is death by legal and medical standards. A brain dead child may be eligible to become an organ donor.

Central Line: a catheter in the neck, chest or groin used to give nutrition and medications.

Chest tube: a larger tube inserted between the skin on the chest and the lungs. This tube removes free air or blood that may make it difficult for the patient to breathe.

CPR ( cardio-pulmonary resuscitation): heart and breathing support using chest compressions, medications, and/or a breathing tube. Various combinations of these treatments are also possible.

Defibrillator: a machine that sends an electrical stimulus to “restart” the heart.

Dialysis Catheter: a tube-like catheter inserted in the groin or neck. The catheter is hooked up to external tubing and a dialysis machine, which cleans the blood and assists the kidneys.

Endotracheal tube (ETT): a breathing tube inserted through the mouth or nose that is connected to an assisted breathing machine (ventilator).

Heart monitor leads: sticky pads are placed on the chest of almost every PICU patient in order to monitor the heart rate.

Nasogastric tube: a tube inserted into the stomach or intestines to provide nutrition and remove gastric acid or secretions.

Peripheral IV: a small plastic tube placed into a vein which is used to give fluid or medications.

Pulse oximeter: a small probe
Foley Catheter: a catheter inserted into the bladder to drain urine into a bag.

Tracheostomy tube: a breathing tube inserted in the neck usually when a ventilator is needed for a long period of time.