Giving medication through a nebulizer

At the end of this chapter, you will:

• identify the equipment needed for inhaled medications (nebulizer or AeroChamber)
• understand how to clean and maintain a nebulizer and AeroChamber (if applicable)

How do I use a nebulizer to give medication to my child with a tracheostomy tube?

1. Gather your equipment and supplies:

   • a medication compressor (nebulizer machine)
   • a power source
   • a medication
   • The minimum total volume of medication to be used in the small volume nebulizer is 3 mL. If the medication is less than 3 mL, you may need to add normal saline or sterile water. Your child’s health-care team will advise you on which solution to use and how much to add.
   • a small volume nebulizer cup
   • oxygen tubing
   • a tracheostomy mask​​

   

2. 

   Put the dose of medication prescribed by your health-care team into the nebulizer cup. (Your health-care team may also instruct you to add normal saline to the nebulizer cup.) The cup requires at least 3 mL of liquid to work properly.

3. 

   Place the cap on the nebulizer cup.

4. 

   Attach the tracheostomy mask to the cap.

5. 

   Attach the oxygen tubing to the underside of the nebulizer cup.

6. Attach the tubing to the nebulizer machine.

7. 

   Place the tracheostomy mask set up on the child (as shown).

8. Turn the nebulizer machine on.

9. 

   The medication in the nebulizer cup will begin to turn into a fine mist. Your child will breathe in the mist. You may tap the nebulizer when the volume reduces and you will hear sputtering.
   

10. Watch the nebulizer cup to see when the mist is gone. When the mist is gone, the treatment is finished.
11. Turn the nebulizer machine off.
12. Remove the nebulizer cup from the tracheostomy tube.
13. Suction your child's tracheostomy tube.

If your child requires oxygen, you will be directed to attach the oxygen tubing from the nebulizer cup to an oxygen source. Your child’s health-care team will prescribe how much oxygen to set on the flowmeter.

How do I clean the nebulizer equipment?

Cleaning and disinfecting your nebulizer equipment is very important for preventing infection. Follow the simple steps below.

After each treatment

1. Rinse the nebulizer cup thoroughly with warm water.
2. Shake off excess water.
3. Allow nebulizer cup to air dry.

At the end of each day

1. Wash the nebulizer cup in warm soapy water using a mild detergent.
2. Rinse the nebulizer cup thoroughly.
3. Allow the nebulizer cup to air dry.

Weekly

After washing your equipment, disinfect it. You will need to use a pail with a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water.

1. Soak the nebulizer cup in the pail for 20 minutes.
2. Pour the solution out of the pail.
3. Rinse the nebulizer cup well under a steady stream of water.
4. Shake off excess water.
5. Allow the nebulizer cup to air dry on a paper towel.

Always allow the equipment to dry completely before storing it in a clean bag or storage container. You do not need to clean the compressor tubing.