Nebulizer for Respiratory Therapy HF#6922

  

What is a nebulizer?

 

A nebulizer (neb-U-lie-ser) is a device that holds liquid medicine.  The medicine is turned into a fine mist by a small air compressor.  The mist medicine is deeply inhaled into the airways and lungs.  A nebulizer treatment of one dose of medicine will take 10 to 20 minutes to finish.

 

Why is this medicine delivered as a mist?

 

Taking slow deep breaths of mist will take the medicine directly to the lungs where it helps the lungs more quickly and has fewer side effects compared with medicines taken by mouth.

 

What equipment is needed to use the small volume nebulizer?

 

You have been given this equipment to do a small nebulizer treatment.

 

• Air compressor.
• Small volume nebulizer kit containing a medicine cup, lid, “T” connector, short pleated tubing, a mouthpiece, long smooth tubing to connect the nebulizer to the compressor, and possibly a mask.
• Medicine and, if needed, 3mL packets of normal saline (sterile salt water) to dilute the medicine, if ordered.

 

How is the nebulizer prepared for use?

 

1.   Wash your hands well with soap and warm water.

 

2.   Plug the air compressor into an electrical outlet.  Make sure the compressor is on a hard surface, such as a table.  Place the long, smooth tubing on the compressor outlet.  Be sure to follow manufacturer’s directions to either clean or change the compressor filter occasionally.

 

3.   Add the medicine into the cup.  Medicines come in many forms.  Carefully follow the directions you were given for this nebulizer treatment.  Here are instructions for adding different forms of medicine into the cup.

 

• Unit dose plastic vials:  Twist off the end of the vial and squeeze the liquid into the cup.  Unit dose vials contain a pre-measured amount of medicine mixed with sterile normal saline.

 

4.   Place the mouthpiece and short pleated tubing on the T-piece.  Connect the T-piece onto the nebulizer.  Turn the compressor on.  Attach the smooth tubing from the compressor to the nebulizer.  See figure 1.

 

 

short, pleated tubing
 

long, smooth tubing

 

5.   A fine mist should be visible.  If not, make sure the compressor is working by disconnecting the smooth tubing.  Feel for air coming from the compressor.  If the compressor is working properly, check all connections.  If the nebulizer is still not misting, use a different nebulizer kit.

 

How do I do the nebulizer treatment?

 

1.   Place the mouthpiece in your mouth.  Some small children use a mask over the mouth and nose rather than a mouthpiece.  See figure 2.

 

 

 

2.   Take slow, deep, even breaths through the mouth.  Hold your breath briefly on each inhale.  Exhale slowly.

 

3.   Make sure the medicine cup is kept upright.

 

4.   Stop the treatment if you notice any side effects or reactions to the medicine.

 

5.   Be aware of any coughing that occurs.  Note the color and amount of any secretions.

 

6.   Continue the treatment until the medicine is finished (no mist comes out).  If the medicine sticks to the sides of the cup, gently tap the sides of the cup.

 

7.   After the treatment is over, take the medicine cup apart, rinse it with hot tap water.  Allow it to air dry on a clean towel.

 

How do I clean and disinfect the small volume nebulizer?

 

All of your nebulizer parts can be cleaned and disinfected twice a week.  There are 3 different ways a nebulizer may be cleaned and disinfected: by hand, by dishwasher or by microwave.

 

How do I clean and disinfecting by hand?

 

If you want to clean and disinfect by hand, you can use either vinegar and water method or rubbing alcohol method.  If you have Cystic Fibrosis (CF) do not use the vinegar and water method. 

 

Vinegar and Water Method

 

1. Take the nebulizer apart.  Wash the pieces in warm soapy water.
2. Rinse with hot tap water.
3. Place the nebulizer pieces in a bowel and add enough vinegar and water solution to completely cover the equipment.  Make the mixture of 1 part white vinegar (5% solution from your grocery store) to 2 parts water (1 cup vinegar to 2 cups water). 
4. Soak the nebulizer for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
5. Rinse all of the parts of the nebulizer with sterile water.  Do not use water from the faucet, bottled, or distilled water.  You can make water sterile by boiling it for 5 minutes.  Use this water once, and then throw it out.
6. Place the pieces on a paper towel to dry.

 

Rubbing Alcohol Method

 

1. Take the nebulizer apart.  Wash the pieces in warm soapy water.
2. Rinse with hot tap water.
3. Place the nebulizer pieces in a bowl and add enough rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) to completely cover the nebulizer pieces.
4. Soak the nebulizer pieces for 5 minutes.
5. Rinse the nebulizer pieces with sterile water.  Do not use water from the faucet, bottled, or distilled water.  You can make water sterile by boiling it for 5 minutes.  Use this water once, and then throw it out.
6. Place the nebulizer pieces on a paper towel to dry.

 

How do I clean and disinfect in the dishwasher

 

The short pleated tubing cannot be placed in the dishwasher. Clean the short pleated tubing according to the cleaning by hand instructions above. 

 

1. Take the nebulizer apart.
2. Place the pieces in a dishwasher basket on the top rack of the dishwasher.
3. After the dishwasher cycle is done, remove the pieces and shake out the extra water.
4. Air-dry the nebulizer pieces on a dry paper towel.

 

How do I clean and disinfect in the microwave?

 

1. Take the nebulizer apart.  Wash the pieces in warm soapy water.
2. Rinse with hot water.
3. Place the nebulizer pieces in a bowl.  Add enough water to completely cover the nebulizer pieces.
4. Microwave for 5 minutes.
5. Place the nebulizer pieces on a paper towel to dry.

 

Equipment

 

If you have questions or need more supplies, contact UW Home Care Services at (608) 203-2273.

 

 

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 06/14/2012

Copyright © 06/14/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6922

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