This section may be photocopied and distributed to families. 1. Squeeze the rounded end of the bulb to remove air. 2. Place the tip of the bulb snugly into one side of the nose (nostril). 3. Let go of the bulb slowly; the bulb will suck the mucus out of the nose. 4. When the bulb is reinflated, remove it from the nose. 5. Squeeze the bulb into a tissue to get rid of the mucus. 6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for the other side of the nose. 7. Hold and comfort the child. 8. Repeat this process as often as needed to keep the nose clear.
Wilson & Hockenberry: Wong’s Clinical Manual of Pediatric Nursing, 8th Edition
Patient Teaching Guide
Instructions for Using a Nasal Aspirator
Instructions
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Wilson & Hockenberry: Wong’s Clinical Manual of Pediatric Nursing, 8th Edition: Patient Teaching Guide
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teaspoon (4 ml) salt with 1 pint (2 cups or 500 ml) tap water, or use the mixture prescribed by your health professional. The solution can be stored in any clean, covered container but should be mixed fresh each day. Use a clean eyedropper to put the solution into the child’s nose, or wet a cotton ball and let the saline drip into the nose. Once the dried mucus is softened, the nasal aspirator can be used.