Page 50 - Norco Patient Orientation Handbook e-book
P. 50
Attach one end of the plastic tubing to the air outlet on the compressor and the other end to the nebulizer
cup.
Fill nebulizer cup with prescribed medication.
Take pulse for 60 seconds (see above for normal ranges).
Turn nebulizer switch to on to begin treatment as prescribed. During treatment take slow, deep breaths and
occasionally hold breath for several seconds before exhaling. Sit upright with back straight.
It is extremely important to cough and spit out mucous from the central airways Cough as frequently as
prescribed.
Ways to detect and correct low aerosol levels: 1) Listen for a crackling sound or change in pitch from the
nebulizer cup, 2) Tap the nebulizer lightly until aerosol mist appears, 3) Treatments should take 10 - 15
minutes (if using 3cc of medication).
Ten minutes after treatment is completed, take pulse again. If pulse increases more than 20 beats from the
baseline pulse, contact physician.
Disconnect nebulizer and tubing. Clean & store the nebulizer and tubing in a clean plastic bag.
Cleaning/Maintenance/Troubleshooting
Discuss equipment malfunction procedures. 1) Power failure, 2) Compressor wear/failure.
Check external filter once per month. Clean and replace if necessary.
Daily, disassemble nebulizer and wash in hot soapy water (7 ft. tubing excluded). Rinse to remove soapy
residue.
Three times per week, soak nebulizer cup and “T” and mouthpiece in a 1:3 white vinegar/water, 70%
alcohol or 3% hydrogen peroxide solution for 30 minutes. Remove items from solution, rinse and allow to
air dry. Discard cleaning solution after each use. Do not attempt to save and reuse. Do not towel dry or clean
in dishwasher.
If using a medical disinfectant, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety precautions carefully.
Nebulizer compressor can be sprayed with cleaner and wiped with a clean paper towel.
We recommend replacing disposable hand held nebulizers every month, many insurance companies allow
two (2) per month. Reusable handheld nebulizer kits should be replaced every 6 months.
NECK TRACTION
Education
Explain the purpose of neck traction: 1) To treat neck, upper back and arm pain
Review the physician or therapist’s prescription; use the equipment as prescribed.
Review any materials on neck traction before use.
Demonstration
Follow the assembly and usage guide provided with the neck traction unit.
Lay on your back with your neck between the wedges. (See manual)
Secure the head strap over your forehead using the hook and loop attachment.
Use the hand pump and watch the gauge. Be sure to follow your physician’s guidelines. As the pressure
increases, the neck will begin to stretch. If you feel pain, release the pressure. Once you are comfortable,
move the pump to hold position. Maintain level of traction for the time prescribed by physician.
Cleaning/Maintenance/Troubleshooting
If dirty clean exterior of the neck traction with a damp cloth. If body fluids or other potentially infectious
material (OPIM) is present on traction unit, disinfect with a 1:9 bleach water solution. Allow at least 10
minutes to dry.
If the pump or hoses are leaking on the neck traction unit, check the connections. If any connections,
locking knobs or leg snap buttons seem loose or faulty on the back traction, contact Norco.
