NEBULIZER
Definition
• Nebulizer is medical equipment used to
administer medication in form of mist to a
patient who has respiratory distress.
• 2: Types
2-1: Electrical
2-2: Manual
Cont..
Cont..
• 3: Parts
1. Main Body
2. Air inlet
3. Filter
4. Compressor Unit
5. Rubber stands
4: Accessories:
1. Medicine pot/chamber
2. Cable with top plug (Electrical)
3. Patient mask
4. Rubber tubing (Electrical)
5. On and off switch
6. Handle
7. Stabilizer
5: Preparation
1. Ensure the equipment is clean, complete and
in good working condition.
2. Have the drugs at hand.
3. The patient's file should be at
hand/prescription
6: Operation
1. Bring the equipment next to the patient.
2. Prepare the drug according to the Doctor‟s prescription
(salbutamol in normal saline)
3. The patient should be in sitting up position, well supported
in a chair or on a bed.
4. Place the face mask over the patient‟s mouth and nose
and place the strap over her/his head.
5. Ensure that Nebulizer chamber is in upright position
6. Plug in the socket
7. Switch on from the main, stabilizer then on the Nebulizer.
8. Instruct the patient to breath in and out as normal.
9. When the Nebulizer starts to splutter the treatment is
complete, this will take between 10-20 minutes. A small
amount of solution may be left in Nebulizer at this stage, but
this is normal.
7: Care
7-1 Immediate Care
1. Switch off the Nebulizer, stabilizer then the main switch and
un-plug.
2. Disconnect Nebulizer port from the tubing‟s (depending on
the type).
3. Wash the Nebulizer pot in warm soapy water and rinse
thoroughly with clean water after every use.
4. Reconnect the Nebulizer port to the tubing and blow air
from the compressor unit through it for a few seconds. 5.
Decontaminate the patient‟s mask, wash with soapy water
and rinse with clean water
6. Leave the mask to dry
7. Disconnect the Nebulizer port from the tubing and allow it
to dry completely.
7-2 Routine Care
1. Once a week clean the Nebulizer port with
disinfectant and rinse with clean water and dry.
2. Check the tubing regularly for cracks and kinking.
3. Cover with clean cloth or in their boxes when
not in use.
Note:
1. Do not use a brush to clean the Nebulizer port as
it may damage it.
2. Tubing should be replaced after every six
months/whenever necessary.
3. Nebulizer port should be replaced after every
four months/whenever necessary.
