This document provides instructions for administering steam inhalation using a Nelson's inhaler. It describes preparing necessary articles like the inhaler, basin, towels, and inhalant. It outlines assessing the patient and getting their cooperation. The procedure involves measuring the inhalant, warming the inhaler, having the patient breathe in the steam through their mouth and nostrils. After 15-20 minutes, the inhaler is removed and patient remains in bed for 1-2 hours. All articles are then cleaned and stored properly and the nurse documents the procedure.

1. TOPICAL ADMINISTRATION
INHALATION by nelson’s
inhaler
Presented by
Mrs. Preethi Ramesh
Senior Nursing Lecturer
BGI

2. Steam inhalation by using a
nelson’s inhaler
Preliminary Assessment:
 Check the patient’s Name, bed number & other
identifications.
 Check the medical diagnosis and general
condition of the patient.
 Check the physician’s orders to see the specific
precautions of movements and position of the
patient.
 Assess the pts ability for selfcare, his ability to
move & to maintain the desired position.
 Check the articles available in the pt’s unit.

3. Preparation of the articles
A tray containing
Articles Purpose
• Nelson’s inhaler with
mouth piece, tightly fit
to the neck of the
inhaler
• To use as a vaporizer
• Bowel or basin – to
hold the inhaler
• To place the inhaler
Safely.
• Flannel/Towel • To wrap the inhaler for
prevent heat loss
• Face towel. • To wipe the face

4. Preparation of the articles
Articles Purpose
• Bath Blanket or bath towel • Put over patient’s head
• Tincture benzoin or any
other inhalant ordered.
• Used as a respiratory
antiseptic.
• Teaspoon or a minim
glass.
• To measure the inhalant.
• Kettle • To boil water.
• Gauze piece. • To wrap the mouth.
• Cotton swab • To plug the spout.
• Kidney tray • To collect wastes.

5. Preparation of PATIENT
 Explain the procedure – get confidence and
cooperation of the patient.
 Explain sequence of the procedure and tell
patient how he can take the inhalation.
 Make the patient to understand that he has to
remain in the bed one – two hours more after
inhalation.
 Ask the patient to go to the wash room and
empty the bladder and bowels.
 For bed ridden patient, offer bedpan/urinal.

6. Preparation of PATIENT
 Keep the patient in a fowler’s position with bed
table. If the movements are restricted, keep
the patient in a side lying position or any
position which is comfortable to patient. ( eg.
Sitting with a pillow on the lap ) Close the
doors and windows and put off the fan to
prevent draught.
 Place the sputum cup in a convenient place
within the easy reach of the patient.
 Provide the face towel to wipe the sweating
from the face during the inhalation.

7. PROCEDURE
STEPS OF PROCEDURE RATIONALE
• Measure the capacity of
inhaler with water. ½ - 2/3
filled capacity.
• To determine the amount
of inhalant.
• Warm the inhaler by
pouring little hot water into
the jug and emptying it.
• To maintain the
temperature of the water ,
constantly.
• Pour the required amount
of inhalant and fill the jug
2/3 with hot water, just
below the spout.
• If inhaler filled to the brim,
there is possibility of
drawing water into the
mouth and cause scalds.
• Place the mouth piece and
close the jug tightly. See
the mouth piece is in the
opposite direction to the
spout.
• Keep the spout away from
the patient when inhalation
is taken.

8. Pr0CEDURE
STEPS OF PROCEDURE RATIONALE
• Cover the mouth piece and
plug the spout with cotton
ball.
• To prevent burns of lip.
Cotton ball in spout
prevent escape steam.
• Cover the jug with a
flannel piece or a towel
• To insulate the jug and to
prevent the heat loss.
• Place the inhaler in the
bowel and take to bed side
without losing time
• Placing the jug in the
bowel reduces the
chances for burns.
• Place the apparatus
conveniently in front of the
patient with the spout
opposite to the patient.
Remove cotton plug.
• To reduces the chances of
burns. Removing cotton
plug helps to keep up
patency of spout for the
air.

9. Pr0CEDURE
STEPS OF PROCEDURE RATIONALE
• Instruct the patient to
place the lip on mouth
piece and breath in the
vapor. After removing the
lips from the mouth piece,
breathe out the air.
Alternately, he should
breathe in the steam
through the nostrils.
• Relieve the congestion of
mucous membrane of the
nostrils.
• Cover the pt’s head and
jug with a bath blanket or
bath towel
• To help to collect the
steam around the face of
the pt, thereby
concentration of the steam
will be increased.

10. After care of patient & the
articles
 Continue treatment for - 15 to 20 minutes.
 Remove the inhaler, after stated time. Wipe
off the perspiration from the face.
 Remove the back rest & cardiac table.m
Adjust the position of the patient in bed.
Make comfortable. Tidy up the bed.
 Instruct patient to remain in bed for 1-2hrs
to prevent draught.

11. After care of patient & the
articles
 Take the articles to the utility room. Empty the
inhaler. Clean it inside with spirit to remove Tr.
Benzoin. Then wash it with warm soapy water.
Rinse with clean water. Removing the gauze
covering the mouth piece and clean the mouth
piece thoroughly. Boil it to prevent cross
infection. All the other articles are washed
soapy water and clean water. Dry and replace it
in proper place. Wash hands.
 Record the procedure on nurse’s notes with
date & time. Record the patient’s response to
the procedure.
 Return to the patient to assess his comfort, offer
hot drink if needed.

12. Thank
you
All