Medical definitions - N

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Narcotic - medications that cause the patient to sleep; highly addictive and must be weaned slowly (Fentynal, Methadone, Codeine, Morphine, etc.).

Nasal cannula – method of delivery of oxygen to the body via the nose; very minimally invasive; used when a mechanical ventilator is no longer needed but the body still needs continuous oxygen.

Needle aspiration – also known as fine needle aspiration; the use of a thin needle to withdraw material from the body.

Neonatologist – a specialist in the care of the newborn.

Nephrologist – a medical specialist in the study of kidneys and kidney function.

NG tube – nasogastric tube; a tube that is passed through the nose and down through the nasopharynx and esophagus into the stomach; can be used to deliver nutrition directly to the stomach or remove stomach contents.

NICU – newborn or neonatal intensive care unit; an intensive care unit designed for premature and ill newborn babies.

Nissen fundoplication – a surgical procedure where the opening between the lower end of the esophagus and the top part of the stomach is narrowed to prevent stomach contents from flowing backward into the esophagus.

Non-stress test – test where a fetal monitor is strapped to the mother’s abdomen to monitor heart function and contractions.