NEBULIZATION
INTRODUCTION
Nebulization is the process of medication administration via inhalation. It utilizes a nebulizer
which transports medications to the lungs by means of mist inhalation.
DEFINITION
Process of dispersing a liquid (medication) into microscopic particles and delivering into
lungs as patient inhales through the nebulizer.
It is used to liquefy and remove retained secretions from the respiratory tract.
INDICATION / PURPOSES FOR NEBULIZATION
Nebulizers are commonly used for the treatment of-
Cystic fibrosis
Asthma
COPD
Respiratory Diseases
PURPOSES
To relieve respiratory insufficiency due to broncho spasm.
To correct the underlying respiratory disorders responsible for broncho spasm. To liquefy
and remove retained thick secretions.
To reduce inflammatory and allergic responses of the upper respiratory tract.
When a person is in respiratory distress.
To correct humidify deficit resulting for inspired air by passing the airway during the use of
mechanical ventilation in critically an post-surgical patents.
If a person is unable to use a inhaler.
When a person has a acute asthma attack.
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If a person has stridor.
Respiratory congestions
Pneumonia
TYPES OF NEBULIZER
Mechanical nebulizer
• Soft mist inhaler
• Human powered nebulizer
Electrical nebulizer
o Jet nebulizer
o Ultrasonic wave nebulizer
EQUIPMENTS
• Nebulizer and nebulizer connecting tube
• Mouthpiece/mask
• Respiratory medication to be administered
• Normal saline solution
• Sterile water
• Cotton balls
• Face mask
• Sputum mug with disinfectant
• Gauze pieces
• Kidney tray
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• Medication card
PROCEDURE
Position the patient appropriately, allowing optimal ventilation (semi fowlers position).
Assess and record
breath sounds
respiratory status
pulse rate
other significant respiratory functions
Teach patient the proper way of inhalation:-
Slow inhalation through the mouth via the mouthpiece
Short pause after the inspiration
Slow and complete exhalation
Some resting breaths before another deep inhalation
Prepare equipment’s at hand
Check doctor's orders for the medication, prepare thereafter
Place the medication in the nebulizer while adding the amount of saline solution ordered. or
add respules
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)
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Offer the nebulizer to the patient, offer assistance until he is able to perform proper
inhalation (if unable to hold the nebulizer [pediatric/geriatric/special cases], replace the
mouthpiece with mask.
SIDE EFFECTS
Dry or irritated throat, temporary or occasional cough.
Sneezing, stuffy or itchy nose, watery eyes.
Burning or bleeding of your nose.
Nausea, heartburn, stomach pain.
Urinating more or less than usual.
Dizziness, drowsiness, headache.
Unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
In some cases, Nebulization is restricted or avoided due to possible untoward results or rather
decreased effectiveness such as: -
Patients with unstable and increased blood pressure • Individuals with cardiac irritability (may
result to dysrhythmias)
Persons with increased pulses
Unconscious patients (inhalation may be done via mask but the therapeutic effect may be
significantly low)
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Book References-
Marlow, Text book of pediatric nursing, 6th edition 2006, Saurabh printed pvt.Ltd. Noida,
Page no. 672-674.
Datta Parul, Text book of Pediatric nursing, 2nd edition 2009, Jaypee brothers’ medical
publication (P) ltd. New Delhi, Page no. 374- 376.
