Basic Procedure of Nebulization

Bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma is a life-threatening respiratory problem that does not exempt anyone. This condition can affect both men and women, young and old.

As a matter of fact, it has been enlisted by the World Health Organization as one of the top leading cause of mortality and morbidity cases across the globe. In line with this, several therapeutic regimens and preventive measures were designed to control the number of cases.

Among these favorable treatment procedures is the use of nebulization (a dispenser that turns a liquid into a fine mist). This procedure is also used as a primary treatment for other respiratory problems that involve thick and tenacious sputum.

So, what is nebulization and how it is used properly?

Learning the Basic Keys of Nebulization

nebulizer

Nebulization is classified as a dependent nursing care because it requires a doctor’s order to administer medicine for asthmatic patients. However, nurses can educate the folks of the patient (parents or adults) on how to use the device in administering the medicine.

Basically, the device (nebulizer) uses a bronchodilator in a form of nebules. This type of drug form is made of synthetic plastic that can be easily torn to extract its content. Aside from nebule, other important items used for nebulizing are neb kit (mouthpiece, T-shape condenser, and tubing).

Once everything is prepared, start the procedure by:

  1. Wash hands. Perform hand washing before touching the neb kit. This can prevent the transferring of bacteria that can cause infection.
  2. Place the nebulizer in a stable place (floor or footstool).
  3. Open the neb kit and take out the T-shape condenser. Attach the tubing at the lower end of the condenser and connect the other end of the tubing to the nebulizer.
  4. Attach the mouthpiece on either side of the T-shape condenser. Slowly, open the condenser to expose the reservoir for the medicine.
  5. Take the nebule and open the sealer in a twisting motion. Once the sealer (cap) of the nebule is removed, put the nebules content in the condenser reservoir. Make sure to extract everything in the nebule. Close the condenser and turn on the nebulizer.
  6. The moist coming out from the mouthpiece (usually, characterized as a white smoke) must be inhaled directly to the user’s mouth. To prevent spillage of the medicine, place a clean cloth at the other end of the T-shape condenser.
  7. The procedure should last for about ten to fifteen minutes. Make sure to check the reservoir for remaining medicine. Shake the condenser until everything in it is fully consumed.
After the procedure, remove the neb kit and clean it appropriately. Store it in a clean and safe storage place. However, in some cases reusing of neb kit is not advisable especially if it is exposed to septic environment.

Most physicians will advise to use disposable neb kits to prevent cross infections. The procedure should be done before meals to prevent possible aspiration. Ideally, a chest and back cupping (tapping) is done afterwards. Its purpose is to loosen the secretions at the posterior and lateral part of the lungs.

Always check for the respiratory rate of the asthmatic person before and after nebulization.

This is to check whether they had made progress from the treatment or not. Other times, successive nebulization (maximum of three episodes) is performed with ten to fifteen minutes interval per episode. This practice is usually done to patient, who are extremely suffering from asthma attack.
–By Edterchelle Soriano.

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