This section may be photocopied and distributed to families. Spanish translation of this handout available at http://evolve.elsevier.com/Wong/clinical. 1. Inform the child and family of the procedure. 2. Wash your hands with soap and water. Count to 10 while washing, then rinse with clear water and dry with a clean paper or cloth towel. 3. Assemble the nebulizer medication chamber and tubing according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 4. Attach aerosol tubing to the nebulizer outlet port. 5. Place the prescribed amount of medication in the nebulizer medication chamber. 6. Attach the child’s appliance (mouthpiece or mask). 7. Check to make sure the connections are tight. 8. Have the child hold the mouthpiece between the lips with gentle pressure. 9. Use a face mask for an infant or small child who is fatigued, who is not able to participate, or who will benefit from a mask (usually a child under 18 months of age gets better effect from treatment if a mask is used). 10. Use an adaptor or tracheostomy mask for child with a tracheostomy. 11. Turn on the nebulizer. A fine mist should appear in the mouthpiece or mask when the machine is working properly. 12. Have the child sit in an upright position. Most nebulizers work best when the medication chamber is kept upright (if it is not upright, air bypasses the medication chamber and a mist is not formed). Infants can be placed upright in an infant seat or on the parent’s lap facing away from the parent or held in a semisitting position cradled in one arm. 13. Tap the nebulizer cup frequently to facilitate even distribution of medication. 14. Have the child breathe normally during the treatment. There is no need for deep breathing. If the infant or toddler is crying, the medication will still be effective if administered according to these steps. 15. When the liquid medication is gone and mist no longer forms, turn off the machine. 16. If steroids were nebulized, have the child gargle with warm water after the treatment. 17. Observe the child’s response to the treatment with regard to ease of breathing, wheezing, color, and activity. 18. Repeat the treatment as necessary according to the child’s status and health professional’s directions. In some situations, the health professional may recommend repeating the treatment three times back to back (check with your health professional before doing this). 19. Clean the medication chamber, mouthpiece, and T-piece with soap and water after each use. Set the pieces out on a clean surface to dry. Do not wash the tubing. 20. Replace the filter and tubing per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Wilson & Hockenberry: Wong’s Clinical Manual of Pediatric Nursing, 8th Edition
Patient Teaching Guide
Giving Aerosolized Medications (Nebulizer Treatments)
Instructions
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Wilson & Hockenberry: Wong’s Clinical Manual of Pediatric Nursing, 8th Edition: Patient Teaching Guide
