Procedures & Medications
It’s our goal to arm you with as much information as possible so you are included in your newborn’s medical care and journey. Listed below are some of the common procedures and medications your infant may receive while in the NICU. We encourage you to ask your baby’s nurse or doctor if you have questions at any time.
- Echocardiogram: an ultrasound of the heart to detect abnormalities.
- Head Ultrasound (HUS): ultrasound to detect abnormalities such as intraventricular hemorrhage.
- X-ray: allows the care team to visualize your infants’ lung fields, intestinal pattern as well as any invasive tubes or lines.
- Antibiotics: used to treat infections or suspected infections.
- Artificial surfactant: a liquid medication administered through a breathing tube to treat RDS.
- Caffeine: is used to treat apnea of prematurity by stimulating a consistent breathing pattern.
- Erythromycin: an antibiotic placed in the infant’s eyes after right to protect against bacterial infections acquired during birth.
- Hepatitis B immunization: an injection to prevent Hepatitis B infection.
- Iron: important in red blood cell production.
- Multivitamin: provides important vitamins for your infant.
- Narcotics/sedatives/pain medications: may be used to keep your infant comfortable while intubated. May also be used during and after a painful procedure.
- Vitamin D: important for proper bone development.
- Vitamin K: an injection administered to infants after birth to help with blood clotting.