Inhaled Lidocaine Nebulizer Treatment HF#5831

 

Your doctor has ordered you to take nebulized Lidocaine.  Lidocaine is an anesthetic that numbs your throat and airways to temporarily stop the coughing.  Do this treatment ____________ times a day. 

 

The Nebulizer

 

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

 

The Equipment

 

You have been given the equipment listed below to do a small nebulizer treatment of 1% lidocaine solution.

 

• An air compressor
• A small volume nebulizer kit
• Syringes, dispensing pins, and alcohol wipes

 

Taking the Treatment

 

1.   Wash your hands well with soap and water.

 

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

 

3.   Before you draw up the medicine, wipe the top of the lidocaine bottle with alcohol.  Insert the dispensing pin through the top of the vial to remove fluid from the vial.  After inserting the dispensing pin, remove the medicine by screwing the syringe onto the dispensing pin.  Draw out 3 mL of Lidocaine and place it in the nebulizer cup.  The dispensing pin can then be capped and can remain in the vial until the vial is empty.

 

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

 

 

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.

 

6.   Place the mouthpiece in your mouth.

 

7.   Take slow deep breaths through the mouth.  Hold your breath briefly on each inhale (breathing in).  Exhale (breathe out) slowly.

 

8.   Make sure the medicine cup is kept upright.

 

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

 

10.   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.

 

11.   After the treatment is over take the medicine cup apart and allow it to air dry on a clean towel.  The nebulizer must be cleaned and disinfected twice a week to destroy germs.

 

You should not eat or drink for one hour after the treatment.

 

How Do I Clean and Disinfect My Nebulizer?

 

Cleaning and disinfecting your lidocaine nebulizer is extremely important in preventing infection and keeping the nebulizer working well.

 

Dishwasher Cleaning

 

The reservoir tubing (pleated tube) cannot be placed in the dishwasher.  This piece needs to be cleaned according to the “hand cleaning” directions.

 

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. 

 

Hand Cleaning

 

If you would prefer not to clean and disinfect your nebulizer using the dishwasher, select one of the choices below.

 

Rubbing Alcohol

• Take the nebulizer apart and wash the pieces in warm soapy water.
• Rinse with hot tap water.
• Place the nebulizer pieces in a bowl and add enough rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) to completely cover the equipment.
• Soak the nebulizer for 5 minutes.
• 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.
• Place the pieces on a paper towel to dry.

 

Microwaving

• Take the nebulizer apart and wash the pieces in warm soapy water.
• Rinse with hot water.
• Place nebulizer pieces in a bowl, add water to cover.
• Microwave for 5 minutes.
• Air dry on a clean paper towel.

 

Equipment

 

If you have questions or need more supplies, contact UW Home Health 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: 02/06/2013

Copyright © 02/05/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5831

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