NEBULIZATION

and
STEAM INHALATION
Purpose:
 To loosen secretions and stimulate
expectorations
 To relieve upper respiratory tract edema

and congestion
 To relieve irritation (throat tickle) by

moistening the air

 To relax muscles and thus relieves

coughing
Assessment:
 Patient’s respiratory status and
secretions
 Drug allergy
 Patient’s risk for injury

 Level of Understanding
 NEBULIZATION
 Process of adding moisture or
medications to inspired air by mixing
particles of varying sizes with the air.
NEBULIZERS
 Nebulizers deliver most medications
administered through the inhaled
route.
 Used to deliver a fine spray (fog/ mist)

of medication or moisture to a client.

Two Kinds of Nebulization:
ATOMIZATION- a device called an atomizer
produces large droplets for inhalation.

 AEROSOLIZATION- droplets are suspended

in a gas, such as oxygen.
ATOMIZER
 LARGE- VOLUME NEBULIZER - can provide
a heated or cool mist.
ULTRASONIC NEBULIZER - provides 100%
humidity and can provide particles small
enough to be inhaled deeply into the
respiratory tract
 METERED-DOSE INHALER - a hand held
nebulizer, is a pressurized container of
medication that can be used by the client
to release the medication through a
nosepiece/ mouthpiece
 PROCEDURE:
1. Determine the need for nebulization
2. Check doctor’s order
3. Inform the patient about the
procedure (give explanations)
4. Gather necessary materials
MATERIALS:
 Nebulizer
 Medication
 Canister and tubings

 Saline solution
5. Wash hands
6. Prepare the client for the procedure
and assist in positioning (or if there is
support person)
POSITION: Comfortable sitting or
semi-fowler’s position
7. Set-up the nebulizer. Ensure proper
functioning.
 a. Connect the nebulizer to the
connecting tubing
b. Fill the canister with medication or
saline solution with the medication

8. Turn on to start the nebulization.

a. Direct the canister towards patient’s
mouth and instruct patient to take in a
deep breath from the mouthpiece
9. Assist client for effective inhalation of the
steam

10. Tap the canister from time to time until the

medicine is consumed.
11. Make the patient comfortable and encourage
coughing after treatment.
12. Thank the patient.
13. Clean the materials and return to proper
place.
14. Wash Hands.
DOCUMENTATION
 Procedure
 Time and Date

 Patient’s respiratory status

 Effectiveness of the procedure

 Patient’s response or any significant

findings
 STEAM INHALATION
 Inhalation of warm, moist air
into the mucous membranes
and respiratory tract.
PROCEDURE:
1. Determine the need for steam
inhalation.
2. Verify doctor’s order.
3. Inform the patient about the
procedure.
4. Gather necessary materials:
a. Steam inhalator machine (if
available)
b. Eye cover (damp face towel)
5. Wash Hands
6. Position patient to facilitate inhalation
of the steam.
7. Set- up apparatus for its water level
and ensure proper functioning.
4. urn on to start the steam inhalation.
5. Assist client for effective inhalation.
6. Instruct to take slow deep breaths
Prescribed period of time: 15 - 20 mins.
7. Encourage coughing after treatment.
8. Clean the materials and return to proper
place.
9. Wash Hands.
Alternative Way: (30 mins- 1hr)
Materials:
 Boiling water in a kettle
 Vicks Vaporub ointment or Camphor oil

 Old newspaper
 Umbrella

 Sheets

 Paper bag
1. Fill up kettle with just below the level of the
spout and bring the water to boiling point.
Add 1tsp of medication (Vicks) into the boiling
water.
2. Carry the stove and the kettle with caution
near the bedside of the patient, if the patient
is unable to stand or sit on the chair.
3. If a croup tent is indicated, open an umbrella
over the head of the patient and cover it with
a sheet to form a tent.
 . With a newspaper or hard paper
(folder), make a cylindrical tube to direct
the steam into the tent away from the
patient’s face.
5. If the patient is able to sit on the chair,
he may sit near the stove in the kitchen.
Precautions:
 Avoid all risks of burning
 Avoid drafts during time of treatment.

Close windows near the patient.

 Extra care must be observed when

giving treatment to children and

restless patients to avoid scalding.
METERED-DOSE INHALER
 METERED-DOSE INHALER
 A metered-dose inhaler, called an MDI
for short, is a pressurized inhaler that
delivers medication by using a
propellant spray.
 To use an MDI:
 Shake the inhaler well before use (3 or 4
shakes)
 Remove the cap

 Breathe out, away from your inhaler

 Bring the inhaler to your mouth. Place it in

your mouth between your teeth and close

you mouth around it.
 Start to breathe in slowly. Press the top of
you inhaler once and keep breathing in slowly
until you have taken a full breath.
 Remove the inhaler from your mouth, and hold
your breath for about 10 seconds, then breathe
out.
 If you need a second puff, wait 30 seconds, shake

your inhaler again, and repeat steps 3-6. After

you've used your MDI, rinse out your mouth and
record the number of doses taken.
 Store all puffers at room temperature
“I never see what has been done; I
only see what remains to be done.”

-Buddh
a