Nebulization:

 Process of dispersing a liquid (medication) into microscopic particles and delivering into lungs as
patient inhales through the nebulizer.
 It is used to liquefy and remove retained secretions from the respiratory tract.

Purpose:

1. To relieve respiratory insufficiency due to bronchospasm.

2. To correct the underlying respiratory disorders responsible for bronchospasm.

3. To liquefy and remove retained thick secretion form the lower respiratory tract.

4. To reduce inflammatory and allergic responses the upper respiratory tract.

5. To correct humidify deficit resulting from inspired air by passing the airway during the use of
mechanical ventilation in critically and post surgical patients.

6. When a child or young person has an acute asthma attack.

7. When a child or young person is in respiratory distress.

8. When a child or young person has stridor.

9. If child or young person is unable to use an inhaler.

Nebulizer:

refers to an apparatus that converts liquid into a fine mist and generally use gas flows to deliver the
mist.

Types of Nebulizer:

Jet-This uses compressed gas to make an aerosol (tiny particles of medication in the air).
Ultrasonic- This makes an aerosol through high-frequency vibrations. The particles are larger than with a
jet nebulizer.

Mesh- Liquid passes through a very fine mesh to form the aerosol. This kind of nebulizer puts out the
smallest particles. It’s also the most expensive.
Nebulization

Procedures:

1. Identify patient and check the doctor’s oder.

R: Ensures that the right procedure has been done for the patent.

2. Monitor the heart rate before and after the treatment if the patient is using bronchodilator drugs.

R: Drugs may cause tachycardia palpitation, dizziness, nausea, or nervousness

3. Explain the procedure to the patient or watcher.

R: Explaining the procedure will promote patient cooperation and effectiveness treatment.

4. Place the patient in a comfortable sitting or a semi fowlers position.

R: To ensures maximal distribution and deposition of aerosolized particles to the base of lungs. This is
because diaphragmatic excursion and lung compliance are greater in this position.

5. Add the prescribed medications to the medicine chamber of the tubing, then connect the tube to the
compressor.

R: A fine mist from the device should be visible. Aerosol particles enable deep penetration into
tracheobronchial tree.

6. Place the mask over the patient’s face, cover his mouth and nose then instruct the patient to inhale
deeply and slowly through mouth, hold breath and then exhale several times.

R: This encourages optimal dispersion of the medication.

7. Observe expansion of chest to ascertain that patient is taking deep breaths.

R: To ensure that the medication is deposited below the level in the oropharynx.

8. Instruct the patient to breath slowly and deeply until all the medications is nebulized. Medication will
usually be nebulized within 15 minutes

9. Upon completion of the treatment instruct the patient to cough after several deep breaths.

R: The medication may dilate airways facilitating expectoration of secretions.

10. Observe the patient for any adverse reaction to the treatments.

R: Patient may develop bronchospasms due to inhalation of aerosol. The fluid may also cause dried and
retained secretions in airways, leading to narrowing of the airway.

11. Do the documentation.

R: Proper documentation is a proof of work done and observed.

12. Disassemble the nebulizer then clean after use. Keep the equipment on the patient’s room.
R: Changing tubing’s every 48hrs. Properly cleaning, sterilizing and storing of equipments will prevent
the spread of microorganisms.

13. Wash hands.

Reference: Alex, S. (2018, July 10). Nebulization. Retrieved January 18, 2021, from
https://www.slideshare.net/sinsu12/nebulization-105157952