Page 38 - Norco Patient Orientation Handbook e-book
P. 38
Use the Cough Assist according to physician’s guidelines.
Demonstration
Plug the Cough Assist™ into a properly grounded outlet. Do not use an extension
cord.
Discuss the front panel controls: 1) Settings button 2) Menu option button 3)
Therapy button 4) Power Button 5) Manual control lever 6) Display for
inhale/exhale pressure settings and inhale/exhale and pause time functions.
Display screen will also show live parameters during treatment (a,b,c).
Demonstrate proper circuit assembly with breathing filter, 3-6 ft smooth bore tubing, inflatable mask, or
mouthpiece/seal with nose plugs.
Set the Cough Assist™ according to physicians prescribed settings.
(*Note: Suggested manufacture settings are conservative at a set
pressure of 10-15cmH20, inhale time of 2-3 seconds, exhale time of 1-2
seconds, inhale flow and inhale pressure set to max. Increase pressure
until secretions are present.)
Discuss that a treatment consists of 4-5 coughs (a cycle) and rest for 30-
40 seconds. Repeat this process for 4-6 cycles. An average treatment
will take 10-15 minutes. A normal treatment regimen is 4-6 treatments
per day.
Cleaning/Maintenance/Troubleshooting
Clean the Cough Assist™ periodically with a clean damp cloth.
Change the breathing filter once per month.
Clean the tubing and mask/mouthpiece or seal daily with warm soapy water. Let air dry.
Disinfect tubing and mask/mouthpiece/seal 2-3 times a week with a 1:3 white vinegar/water solution. Rinse
and let air dry.
If the machine does not power up: 1) Check the outlet. 2) Unplug the machine and check fuses.
If the pressure gauge does not return to zero when the device is turned off, contact Norco.
CPAP or BiPAP
Education
Explain OSA and/or CSA (discuss anatomy of airway and where obstruction may be present).
Discuss the benefits of nasal CPAP/BiPAP therapy: 1) To improve energy levels. 2) To improve daytime
somnolence. 3) To improve mental awareness/alertness. 4) To decrease occurrence of morning headaches.
Discuss the purpose of CPAP/BiPAP: 1) To open oropharyngeal (throat) airway. 2) To increase nocturnal
oxygenation. 3) To decrease the work of the heart. 4) To prevent hypertension, CHF, stroke and heart attack.
Review the physician’s prescription and the purpose of the prescribed CPAP/BiPAP pressure.
Demonstration
Discuss CPAP/BiPAP blower and functions (external functions, ramp and memory options).
Attach 6 ft. tubing and humidifier (if ordered).
Discuss mask options. Fit patient with proper mask size and discuss: 1) Preventing eye leakage (tolerate
minor leaks toward the upper lip if headgear feels “too tight”). 2) Preventing pressure sores on face (use
proper spacing on the bridge of the mask to prevent soreness and leakage). 3) Ensure that exhalation port is
not obstructed or occluded.
Discuss the proper level of heated humidity. Show how to increase and decrease humidifier settings and
when its appropriate.
Discuss chinstrap, if applicable.
If oxygen is used, follow safety guidelines for oxygen in the handbook. (See Norco clinician for proper
oxygen placement into circuit). Bleed in oxygen with adapter attached proximal to the equipment interface.
