Special Patient Populations and Effective Communication

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, medical terms, and procedures related to special patient populations including neonates, pediatrics, geriatrics, and impaired patients.

Isolette

An incubator used for newborns that carries the baby's identification and provides protective or reverse isolation.

Bilirubin

A byproduct of broken-down red blood cells and the pigment that gives bile its yellow color, tested to check liver health.

Hyperbilirubinemia

The medical term for abnormally high levels of bilirubin in the blood.

Phototherapy

A treatment placing infants with high bilirubin levels under ultraviolet (UV) light while protecting their eyes.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

A hereditary metabolic disorder screened in newborns using a specialized blood spot card.

Galactosemia

An inherited genetic disorder characterized by the lack of an enzyme needed to convert the milk sugar galactose into glucose.

Safe Infant Heel Puncture Sites

The specified lateral and medial areas of the plantar surface of an infant's heel recommended for skin puncture.

EMLA

A topical anesthetic applied to the skin before venipuncture to reduce pain in uncooperative or anxious pediatric patients.

Papoose Board

A medical restraint device used to safely immobilize an uncooperative child during a procedure.

Iatrogenic Anemia

Anemia induced in a patient, such as an infant or elderly individual, as a result of continuous or repeated phlebotomy draws.

Sclerosed Veins

Veins that have become hardened and lost elasticity, requiring gentle technique and equipment such as a butterfly needle and pediatric tubes.

EPA Recommended Hospital Noise Level

The noise threshold recommended by the EPA for hospital environments, which should not exceed 40 dB.

Fistula

A surgical connection of an artery and vein in dialysis patients that must never be used for blood draws because arterial and venous blood are mixed.

Reverse Isolation

Infection control procedures, such as strict hand washing, PPE, and head/shoe coverings, used to protect vulnerable patients from outside pathogens.