NEBULIZATION THERAPY

Purpose of NebulizersNebulizers are inhaler devices used to treat

asthma and allergies. The inhaler aerosolizes medication prescribed by a doctor to help reduce inflammation and dilate air passages. The treatments are used as a preventative measure against acute allergic reactions or as a treatment during asthma attacks. Some nebulizers are available over the counter, but most require a prescription from a doctor.

Point of NebulizersA nebulizer has a liquid medicine in a machine

or hand held bottle with an attached pump. Using the machine or compressing the hand held pump converts the liquid medication into a mist. The mist is inhaled into the trachea of patient. The inhalant medication travels to the lungs and reverses the symptoms of asthma and allergies. Wheezing, coughing, or difficulties in breathing are alleviated almost immediately when the medication is delivered.

INDICATION

Nebulization therapy is used to deliver medications along the respiratory tract and is indicated to various respiratory problems and disease such as:

Bronchospasms

Chest tightness

Excessive and thick mucus secretions

Respiratory congestions

Pneumonia

Atelectasis

Asthma

Parts of NebulizerMouthpiece

Nebulizer cup

Tubing

Compressor

Equipment needed:

Nebulizer and nebulizer connecting tubes

Compressor oxygen tank

Mouthpiece/mask

Respiratory Medication to be administered

Normal Saline solution

ProcedurePosition the patient appropriately, allowing optimal

ventilation.

Assess and record breath sounds, respiratory status, pulse rate and other significant respiratory functions.

Teach patient the proper way of inhalation:

- slow inhalation through the mouth via mouthpiece

- short pause after the inspiration

- slow and complete exhalation

- some resting breaths before another deep inhalation

Prepare equipments at hand

Check the doctor’s orders for the medication, prepare thereafter

Place the medication in the nebulizer while adding the amount of saline solution ordered.

Attach the nebulizer to the compressed gas source

Attach the connecting tubes and mouthpiece to the nebulizer

Turn the machine on (notice the mist produced by the nebulizer)

Offer the nebulizer to the patient, offer assistance until he is able to perform proper inhalation ( if unable to hold the nebulizer, replace the mouthpiece with mask

Continue until medication is consumed

Reassess patient status from breath sounds, respiratory status, pulse rate and other significant functions needed. Compare and record significant changes and improvement. Refer if necessary.

Attend to possible side effects and inhalation reactions

Complications

Possible effects and reactions after nebulization therapy are as follows:

Palpitations

Tremors

Tachycardia

Headache

Nausea

Bronchospasm (too much ventilation may result of exacerbate bronchospasm)

TeachingsAs nurses, it is important that we teach the

patients the proper way of doing the therapy to facilitate effective results and prevent complications ( demonstration is very useful). Emphasize compliance to therapy and to report untoward symptoms immediately for opposite intervention.

Question # 1

It is the process of medication administration via inhalation. It utilizes a nebulizer which transports medications to the lungs by means of mist inhalation.

2-5Name the four parts of nebulizer

6-8Give 3 respiratory dse. that nebulization therapy

is used.

Question # 8What is the first step of the procedure.

A. Position the client

B. Assess the client’s breath sound

C. Assemble the equipments

D. Attach the nebulizer to the mouthpiece and the connecting tube

9-10Give two equipment that is used in nebulizing.