Page 49 - Norco Patient Orientation Handbook e-book
P. 49
NEBULIZER (LARGE VOLUME) / TRACH MIST
Education
Explain the goals of cool and heated mist therapy: 1) To decrease inflammation (cool mist only),
2) To promote a cough, 3) To improve efficiency of cough, 4) To thin/hydrate secretions,
5) To provide humidification through an artificial airway.
Review physician’s prescription (i.e., hours of use, length of need, oxygen use, etc.).
Demonstration
Plug power cord into properly grounded outlet. Do not use an extension cord.
Attach nebulizer head and water bottle to the compressor. Set compressor between 20-30 PSI by turning the
knob clockwise to increase, or counter clockwise to decrease.
Attach six (6) foot Corr-a-flex tubing to nebulizer heads.
Cut Corr-a-flex tubing in the most gravity dependent (lowest) portion of the tubing. Place drain bag into
circuit. Empty bag as needed. Attach trach mask, aerosol mask, or face tent on the end of the six (6) foot
tubing.
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.
If using a heater, place thermometer “T” adapter as close to the mask interface as possible.
Adjust flow by turning the flow control on the nebulizer (open window = higher flow).
Discuss preventive maintenance (yearly) and equipment follow-up (monthly).
Cleaning/Maintenance/Troubleshooting
Clean compressor filters weekly, by hand, in warm soapy water (liquid soap). Rinse well and let air-dry.
Clean the exterior of the machine with a damp, soapy cloth and wipe with a clean dry cloth.
Replace nebulizer head, six (6) foot Corr-a-flex tubing, drain bag, thermometer “T” and mask interface Bi-
monthly, or more frequently if required.
Change water source as necessary (when empty).
If nebulizer is not producing a mist: 1) Check nebulizer head for cracks, 2) Make sure that nebulizer head is
secured to the water bottle, 3) Check water level in bottle. If empty, replace.
Contact Norco if compressor will not maintain PSI levels above 20 PSI.
Plan for emergency back up power if applicable (generator, etc.)
Functional check schedule: Performed monthly.
NEBULIZER (SMALL VOLUME)
Education
Discuss the purpose of aerosolized medication therapy via Nebulizer: 1) To open airways [bronchiolar
dilation], 2) To thin secretion, 3) To promote cough.
Review the physician Rx and the need to use treatment as prescribed.
Discuss length and frequency of treatments per physician prescription [10-15 min. /Q4 (every 4 hours), QID
(4 times a day), Q3 (every 3 hours), TID (3 times a day), Q2 (every 2 hours), BID (Twice a day) PRN (as
needed).
Discuss contraindications/potential side effects, which include: 1) Hyperventilation [fast breathing],
2) Fatigue, 3) Tremors or shakes, 4) Tachycardia [fast heartbeat; normal heart rate for adults: 60 – 100,
children: 100-140, infants: 120-160 BPM], 5) Allergies.
Discuss safe medication storage (refer patient to specific medication instruction).
Demonstration
Plug power cord into properly grounded AC electrical outlet or appropriate DC power supply (car cigarette
lighter) if unit is an AC/DC model. Do not use an extension cord.
