A nurse is preparing to help a patient administer a bronchodilator using a nebulizer
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Related TopicsA metered-dose inhaler is a small, hand-held device filled with medicine to treat breathing problems. It helps deliver a certain amount of medicine through your mouth and into your lungs. It is commonly used to treat breathing difficulties related to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory problems. Path to well beingEach inhaler consists of a small canister of medicine connected to a mouthpiece. The canister is pressurized. As you press down on the canister, it releases a mist of medicine. You breathe that mist into your lungs. It’s important to use your inhaler correctly. Otherwise, your airways will not receive the right amount of medicine. Read and follow all instructions that come with your inhaler. Here are the steps to correctly use your inhaler:
Some inhalers (such as steroid inhalers) also recommend rinsing your mouth out with water and gargling with water (spit out the water) after use. These instructions are for a metered-dose inhaler only. Inhaled dry-powder inhalers are used differently. To use a dry powder inhaler, close your mouth tightly around the mouthpiece and breathe in quickly. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about how to take your inhaler. Things to considerIt’s important to keep track of how much medicine you’ve used so you can replace your inhaler before you run out of medicine. Many inhalers include a “counter” on the back that keeps track of how much medicine is left in the device. If your inhaler does not, you can use the following method to figure out when you’ll need to get a refill:
Questions for your doctor
Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. What is the suggested flow rate for administration of an albuterol Neb set?Abstract. Our study suggests that the administration of bronchodilator drug via nebulizer powered by flow rate 6 L/min is more suitable in COPD patients. The oxygen flow rates should not be given more than 6 L/min.
Can you give a nebulizer treatment to a patient with oxygen via nasal cannula at the same time?Through a HFNC, oxygen and gas medications can be given to the patient at the same time, without interrupting either treatment or requiring more than one respiratory therapist.
When using a small volume nebulizer what flow rate should be used?The small-volume nebulizer should be operated at gas flows of 6 to 8 L/minute and with a total solution volume of about 4 mL to optimize the volume of drug delivered.
Which corticosteroid would the nurse administer to a patient directly through inhalation?Fluticasone oral inhalation is used to prevent difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing, and coughing caused by asthma in adults and children. It is in a class of medications called corticosteroids.
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