2. Definition
Nebulizer Therapy is to liquefy and remove
retained secretions from the respiratory tract. A
nebulizer is a
device that a stable aerosol of fluid and /or drug
particles.
Most aerosol medication have bronchodilating
effects and are administered by respiratory
therapy personnel.
3. Purpose
1. To relieve respiratory insufficiency due to
bronchospasm.
2. To correct the underlying respiratory disorders
responsible for bronchospasm.
3. To liquefy and remove retained thick secretion
form the lower respiratory tract.
4. To reduce inflammatory and allergic responses the
upper respiratory tract.
5. To correct humidify deficit resulting from inspired
air by passing the airway during the use of
mechanical ventilation in critically and post surgical
patients.
4. Cont…
6) When a child or young person has an acute
asthma attack.
7) When a child or young person is in respiratory
distress.
8) When a child or young person has stridor.
9) If child or young person is unable to use an
inhaler.
5. Types of nebulizer
1. Inhaler or meterd- dose nebulizer
2. Jet nebulizer
3. Ultrasonic nebulizer
6. Equipments required
1. Dr.’s order card, client’s chart and kardex
2. Inhaler
3. Tissue paper
4. lip cream as required
7. Procedure
Perform hand hygiene.
Prepare the medication following the Five rights
of medication administration:
1. Right client
2. Right time
3. Right drug
4. Right dose
5. Right route
6. Right Documentation
7. Right Reason
8. Right Response
8. Cont…
Explain to the client what you are going to do.
Assist the client to make comfortable position in
sitting or semi-Fowler position.
Shake the inhaler well immediately prior to use.
Spray once into the air.
9. Cont…
7. Instruction to the client:
1) Instruct the client to take a deep breath and
exhale completely through the nose.
2)Instruct the client to hold his/her breath for
adult 10 seconds and then to slowly exhale with
pursed lips.
10. Cont…
3) Repeat the above steps for each ordered “
puffs”, waiting 5-10 seconds or as prescribed
between puffs.
4)Instruct the client to gargle and wipe the face if
needed.
8 Replace equipments used properly and discard
dirt.
9 Perform hand hygiene.
10 Document the date, time, amount of puffs, and
response. Sign on the documentation
11. Cont…
Obtain verbal positive patient identification and secure
hospital identity bracelet.
Explain the procedure to the patient, including the
drugs,
equipment, why it is necessary and possible side
effects.
Written patient information will be provided on the first
treatment.
All patients must be treated in a room equipped with
negative pressure filtration, and ensure the windows
are closed.
Ensure patient is sitting comfortably on bed/chair and
can be
12. Procedure
Plug the compressor unit into the mains. Connect
the tubing from the compressor unit to the bottom
of the nebulizer chamber.
Unscrew the top of the nebuliser chamber. Open
the vial of drug solution by twisting off the top.
Measure out the correct amount of drug solution
and pour into the nebuliser chamber as is
prescribed, following both the doctors and
manufacturer’s instructions.
Check with G.P. or pharmacist before mixing two
or more drug solutions in the nebuliser chamber.
13. Sometimes the drug solution needs to be diluted.
Add the required amount of normal saline.
DO NOT dilute the drug solution with water. You
need around 4-5ml solution in the nebuliser
chamber for it to work properly.
Screw on the top of the nebuliser chamber and
attach the face mask or mouthpiece to the top of
the chamber.
14. Using the nebuliser
Staff member will engage with the service user and
confirm that they are ready
Apply the 7 rights of medication administration.
Place the facemask over the service user’s mouth
and nose and place the strap over the service user’s
head (alternatively, if a mouthpiece is used place it
between the service user’s lips).
Support the service user to sit up, in a chair or in bed
and keep the nebuliser chamber upright.
Switch the compressor unit on and ask the service
user to breathe in and out as normal. Help the service
user to relax whilst using the nebuliser, (perhaps by
watching television.)
15. Whilst the nebuliser is in use, small drops of drug
solution may form on the sides of the nebuliser
chamber. Knock these droplets back into the drug
solution by gently tapping the side of the
nebuliser chamber with a fingernail.
When the nebuliser starts to 'splutter' the
treatment has finished - this will take between 10
and 20 minutes. A small amount of solution may
be left in the nebuliser at this stage, but this is
normal.
Switch off the compressor unit and disconnect the
nebuliser chamber from the tubing.
Wash hands
16. If at any point the service user is uncomfortable
or distressed, stop before starting again.
Medication Administration Record is signed.
If the service user is not getting the usual relief
from symptoms advise to contact G.P.
Report any adverse reactions; itching, changes in
hearing, balance,
infection or severe pain to lead clinical person/line
manager /G.P. Record in Best Possible Health
Daily Continuation Sheet
17. Trouble shooting
Cleaning the nebuliser
Each time it is used, wash the nebuliser chamber
in warm soapy water and then rinse thoroughly
with clean water. Do not use a brush to clean the
nebuliser chamber as it may damage it.
Reconnect the nebuliser chamber to the tubing
and blow air from the
compressor unit through it for a few seconds. This
will dry the nebuliser chamber and tubing.
Disconnect the nebuliser chamber from the tubing
and allow it to dry completely. Disconnect the
tubing from the compressor unit.
18. Once a week, rinse the nebuliser chamber with a
dilute solution of Milton or a special nebuliser
cleaner. Rinse the nebuliser chamber with clean
water and then dry as before.
Check your tubing regularly for kinking or holes
as these may affect the performance of the
nebuliser. Tubing should be replaced every six
months or so.
The nebuliser chamber should last for around
four months before it needs to be replaced. If it is
taking longer than normal to nebulise the drug
solution, it may be that a new nebuliser chamber
is required. Ask the pharmacist to order one.
19. Protocol for use of Inhaled
Medications
Date the protocol the time comes into effect and a
review date and/or expiration date.
Possible triggers.
Possible warning signs.
When inhaled medication should be
administered.
How much is given .
Whether a repeated dose can be given.
Time interval for a repeated dose.
Maximum dose over a 24 hour period.
When medication should not be given
20. Cont…
When emergency services should be contacted.
Other people to be contacted if appropriate.