The NICU and PICU care for critically ill neonates and pediatric patients (Klaus and
Fanaroff, 1979; Korones, 1981). These specialty intensive care units must provide forappropriate staffing, isolation, and safe transportation of the patients, along with life support
from supporting hospital areas. A minimum of one airborne-infection control room
with the ability for nursing observation is required. The number of infection control
rooms is dependent on an infection control risk assessment. These rooms must be
equipped with only one patient bed and its own toilet and hand-washing facilities. The
rooms’ walls, ceilings, and floors should be sealed tightly so that air cannot penetrate into
the room from the outside. One of the major differences between a standard critical care
unit and the PICU is that a sleeping space for parents must be provided in the PICU. In
addition, a consultation/demonstration room in or next to the PICU must be available for
private discussions between clinical staff and family. An examination and treatment room
can be located centrally to serve the PICU or an adjacent area such as the NICU. The floor
area must be a minimum of 120 square feet and must contain hand-washing fixtures, storage
facilities, and a countertop or desk for writing. Some of the equipment in these treatment
rooms might include patient monitors, incubators, and ventilators, all of which will
be discussed later in the chapter.