Logan Reid
Nebulizers are small machines that turn liquid medicine into mist, which can be easily inhaled through a mouthpiece or facemask. They are often used by people with lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, who have trouble using inhalers. Nebulizers can be set up by connecting the tubing to the machine and compressor, filling the medicine cup, and attaching the mouthpiece or mask. The machine is then turned on, and the user breathes in the medicine. To avoid infection, the nebulizer should be cleaned daily and disinfected weekly.
How to Set Up a Nebulizer in a Hospital
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To turn liquid medicine into a mist that can be inhaled |
| Machine Type | Electric, air-compressor, or battery-operated |
| Setup | Connect the hose/tubing to the air compressor, fill the medicine cup, attach the mouthpiece or facemask, and turn on the machine |
| Usage | Sit up straight, place the mouthpiece in the mouth, seal the lips around it, and breathe normally through the mouth until all medicine is used (5-20 minutes) |
| Cleaning | Wash the medicine cup and mouthpiece with warm water and mild detergent daily, disinfect weekly, and dry all parts before reassembling |
| Medicine | Bronchodilators, corticosteroids, beta-agonists, anticholinergics, glucocorticoids, and antibiotics |
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What You'll Learn
Wash your hands and prepare the medicine
Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing the medicine to avoid contamination. Dry your hands with a clean towel.
The medicine used in a nebulizer is typically a liquid that is turned into a mist or aerosol that can be inhaled. Nebulizers can be used to deliver many types of medicine, including bronchodilators, which help to relax the muscles in the airways, and corticosteroids, which prevent inflammation. These medicines help to control breathing problems and can be particularly useful for those with chronic lung diseases such as COPD or asthma, or other respiratory issues like pneumonia or respiratory infections.
The medicine should be carefully poured into the medicine cup of the nebulizer. If the medicine is pre-measured, simply pour the dose into the cup. If it is not pre-measured, be sure to measure out the exact amount prescribed for one dose. Secure the top of the medicine cup tightly to prevent spillage.
It is important to keep the nebulizer clean to prevent bacteria from growing, which could cause a lung infection. Wash the medicine cup and mouthpiece daily with warm, soapy water, rinsing and allowing to air dry. You can also disinfect the nebulizer once a week by soaking the parts (except the tubing) in a solution of vinegar and water, or hydrogen peroxide, for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse and air dry before reassembling the nebulizer.
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Connect the tubing and mouthpiece
To connect the tubing and mouthpiece of a nebulizer, follow these steps:
First, ensure that the nebulizer cup and mouthpiece have been properly cleaned and dried. The nebulizer cup, mask, or mouthpiece should be washed in warm, soapy water using a mild detergent or soap at the end of each day. Rinse these components thoroughly and allow them to air dry on a clean paper towel. It is important to note that the tubing should not be washed; instead, replace it if it gets wet.
Next, take the clean and dry mouthpiece and attach it to the medicine cup. Make sure to hold the mouthpiece straight up and down to avoid any spills. Then, attach the other end of the tubing to the mouthpiece and medicine cup assembly. The tubing is a thin plastic tube that connects the mouthpiece and medicine cup to the nebulizer machine. Ensure that all connections are secure.
After everything is connected, turn on the nebulizer machine. The machine should be plugged into an electrical outlet or battery-operated for portable use. Once turned on, you should see a light mist being formed. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and seal your lips around it. If using a mask, position it comfortably and securely on your face, ensuring a good seal.
It is important to always follow the manufacturer's instructions when setting up and using your nebulizer, and to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best type of nebulizer and delivery method for your specific needs.
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Turn on the machine
Once you have set up the nebulizer machine, you can turn it on. If your nebulizer is battery-operated, make sure it is charged or has fresh batteries. If it is not battery-operated, plug it into an electrical outlet.
If you are using a compressor, turn it on with the on/off switch. You should see a light mist once the compressor is on. If you are using a hand-held nebulizer, it should start to turn the medicine into a mist once it is turned on.
If you are using a mouthpiece, place it between your teeth and seal your lips around it. If you are using a mask, place it over your mouth and nose, ensuring it fits securely and comfortably on your face. Breathe normally through your mouth. If you are using a nose clip, place it on your nose to ensure you are only breathing through your mouth.
If you are using the nebulizer on a child, make sure they keep the mask on for the entire treatment, which can take up to 15 minutes. The nebulizer will start to sputter near the end of the treatment. Turn off the nebulizer when the chamber is empty.
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Place the mouthpiece or mask on the patient
When using a mouthpiece, place it between your teeth and seal your lips around it. Keep your lips firmly around the mouthpiece so that all of the medicine goes into your lungs.
If you are using a mask, position it securely and comfortably over your mouth and nose. Make sure the patient keeps the mask on for the entire treatment, which can take up to 15 minutes. Small children usually do better if they wear a mask.
If you are using a nebulizer, you should be sitting up straight on a comfortable chair. Breathe normally through your mouth. If possible, take a slow deep breath every fifth breath and hold for 2 to 3 seconds before breathing out. This allows the medication to settle into the airways.
Continue the treatment until all the medication is gone, which should take around 5 to 15 minutes. If you become dizzy, slow your breathing or rest briefly.
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Clean and store the nebulizer
Cleaning and storing your nebulizer correctly is important to prevent bacteria from growing inside it, which could lead to lung infections.
First, unplug the machine and take apart the nebulizer, removing the medicine cup and mouthpiece. Wash these with warm, soapy water and a mild detergent. Rinse them thoroughly and let them air dry on a clean paper towel.
Next, reassemble the nebulizer and run air through the machine for 20 seconds to ensure all parts are dry. You can also disinfect the nebulizer once a week or more if needed. Soak all parts, except the tubing, in a solution of one part distilled white vinegar and two parts warm water for one hour. Rinse the parts, except the tubing, with cold water and air dry them on a clean towel.
After the parts are dry, store them in a clean, covered area until the next use. You can also clean the outside of the machine with a warm, damp cloth as needed.
Do not wash the tubing, as this can damage the machine. If the tubing gets wet, replace it.
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Frequently asked questions
First, wash your hands and connect the hose to an air compressor. Then, fill the medicine cup with your prescribed medication, close the cup tightly, and attach the mouthpiece or mask. Turn on the machine and place the mouthpiece in your mouth, sealing your lips around it. If using a mask, place it securely over your mouth and nose.
The treatment is finished when the medicine is gone, which may take 5 to 20 minutes depending on the device and medicine used. The nebulizer will start to sputter near the end of the treatment.
Wash the medicine cup and mouthpiece with warm water and mild detergent or soap. Rinse and let them air dry. Then, run air through the machine for 20 seconds to ensure all parts are dry. Disinfect the nebulizer at least once a week by soaking all parts (except the tubing) in a vinegar and water solution, or by using another disinfecting method.
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