Glossary

This is an area in a hospital, usually located closely to the intensive care unit, where care that is intermediate between that delivered in an intensive care unit and that delivered on a normal patient care ward.

Human immunodeficiency virus – a slowly replicating retrovirus that attacks the human immune system causing destruction of its T-lymphoytes and macrophages. This is the caustive factor for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition where there is a progressive failure of the host’s immune system.

hexamethyl propylene amine oxime

Head of bed – Typically used when describing how many degrees the head can be raised above the body when laying in bed.

Small, round inclusions within red blood cells that are remnants of DNA.  The spleen usually filters such cells out of circulation but when the spleen is absent or dysfunctional (as with Sickle Cell Disease) such inclusions can be seen when examining red blood cells under the microscope.

A life threatening condition seen in newborns where there is fluid accumulation in two or more body compartments leading to swelling with potential organ failure.

Exposure of the body to elevated levels of oxygen.  If prolonged and severe this can be toxic to the brain, lungs, and other organs.  Conseuqntly, it is prolonged hyperoxia is generally avoided.

The state of overactive or exaggerated body reflexes.  Hyperactive reflexes.

Internal carotid artery

Indocyanine green.  A dye injected into the veins which can be seen to fluoresce.  The dye has a half-life of 3-4 minutes and is rapidly cleared by the liver.  It is used to visualize blood circulation within the brain.