Glossary

Reprinted with permission from "Your Premature Baby and Child" by Amy E. Tracy and Dianne I. Maroney (Berkley, 1999)

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Toy block

Rectal temperature

 The body temperature taken by inserting a thermometer into the rectum (anus)

Red blood cells

 The cells in the blood that carry oxygen

Referral

 A recommendation to a particular healthcare provider

Reflux

 The backward flow of the stomach contents into the esophagus (food pipe)

Respirations

 Breaths

Respiratory

 Association with breathing

Respiratory distress
syndrome

 A breathing disorder of premature infants caused by the lack of surfactant in the alveoli of the lungs

Respiratory therapist

 A healthcare professional who is trained in the use of respiratory equipment

Respite care

 When a qualified caregiver assumes responsibility for a child, allowing parents time to rest and rejuvenate

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

 A retinal eye disease found in infants born prematurely

Retracting

 When the chest wall draws in with each breath; a common symptom of respiratory distress in infants

Rooming-in

 Staying overnight with your infant in a hospital room to practice caring for your baby

 

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