This book demystifies children’s hospitals by introducing their department structures, the roles of medical staff, and medical procedures. The book offers new parents and children a comprehensive understanding of how children’s hospitals operate: covering everything from X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it teaches new parents to correctly understand radiation; delving into procedures like gastroenterological endoscope, ultrasounds, electrocardiograms (ECGs), electroencephalograms (EEGs), and pulmonary function tests, it explains the key details of these examinations; starting from the treatment perspective, it helps new parents make sense of confusing lab reports; and it pulls back the curtain on “mysterious” areas like emergency rooms, anesthesiology departments, cardiac catheterization labs, and intensive care units (ICUs)—all to help new parents and children overcome their fear of hospitals.
Written in plain language and supplemented with vivid real-life examples, this book makes medical knowledge more accessible and understandable to the general public. It also incorporates humorous language and illustrations to enhance readability and engagement. For new parents seeking to understand the inner workings and treatment processes of children’s hospitals, while also gaining practical medical and daily care advice, this book is an indispensable resource.
Chapter 1 The secret of the “photo studio” and “camera” 1
1.1. The differences between the “cameras” in the radiology “photo studio” 1
1.2. Fear of “radiation”: Just how misunderstood is it? 6
1.3. The square “black-and-white camera”: X-ray imaging 11
1.4. The amazing “scanner”: computed tomography (CT) scan 16
1.5. The “magnetic magic cabin”: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 20
1.6. Rules for visiting the hospital’s “photo studio” 24
Chapter 2 Exploring with a pair of “insightful eyes” 27
2.1. “Seeing clearly with scopes”: gastroscopy and colonoscopy 30
2.2. I heard my thumping “heartbeat”: cardiac ultrasound 35
2.3. Small probe, big world: the difference between B-ultrasound and color ultrasound 40
2.4. Writing the heart’s rhythm: electrocardiogram (ECG) 44
2.5. Exploring the brain’s mysteries: electroencephalogram (EEG) 50
2.6. Breathing “good” or “bad”: the lung function check 55
Chapter 3 Decoding the mysteries under the microscope 60
3.1. The science lab: exploring the secrets inside the body 60
3.2. Choosing a blood routine test: finger prick or vein draw 67
3.3. Guiding you to read a blood routine report 71
3.4. Understanding your kidneys: urinalysis 77
3.5. Understanding your digestive tract: stool routine test 82
3.6. Uncovering nasal secrets: nasal swabs 85
Chapter 4 Key points about pediatric treatment 88
4.1. Medication administration methods written by doctors in medical records 90
4.2. The antibiotic’s monologue: Don’t love me too much, don’t fear me either 97
4.3. Are you giving medicine to your kid the right way? 106
4.4. Intravenous (IV) therapy: Starting with the “embroidery work” on blood vessels 117
4.5. The battle to defend the lifeline 126
Chapter 5 The mysterious “bases” in children’s hospitals 137
5.1. Racing against time: The emergency room 137
5.2. The beating heart: The cardiac catheterization laboratory 142
5.3. The clean protective umbrella: Laminar airflow wards 148
5.4. Guarding lives: The intensive care unit (ICU) 155
Appendix 161
