Nebulization

Breathing · General · 10–20 min

Aerosolized drug delivery to lower airways via jet or mesh nebulizer.

Indications

  • • Acute bronchospasm
  • • Croup (adrenaline)
  • • Mucolysis

Contraindications

  • ⚠ Uncontrolled tachyarrhythmia (β2 caution)

Equipment

  • • Nebulizer chamber
  • • Mouthpiece/mask
  • • O2 6–8 L/min or compressed air
  • • Drug (e.g. salbutamol 2.5–5 mg + ipratropium 500 µg)

Positioning

  • • As appropriate for the procedure and patient comfort.

Consent

  • • Explain indication, benefits, alternatives
  • • Explain risks & complications
  • • Obtain written/verbal consent as per SOP
  • • Document consent

Universal precautions

  • • Hand hygiene
  • • PPE — gloves, mask, eye protection
  • • Aseptic technique
  • • Sharps safety
  • • Verify patient identity & site

Step-by-step (0/5)

Tap to complete

Draw dose into chamber with 3–5 mL saline.

Immediate complications

  • ⚠ Tachycardia
  • ⚠ Tremor
  • ⚠ Paradoxical bronchospasm

Delayed complications

  • • Hypokalemia (repeated β2)

Recognition

  • • Heart rate ↑
  • • Symptoms worsening

Initial management

  • • Stop; supportive

Prevention

  • • Correct dose
  • • Monitor HR

Post-procedure observation

  • • Vitals q15min × 1h then hourly

Monitoring

  • • Site inspection
  • • Symptom review

Documentation

  • • Procedure note
  • • Consent
  • • Findings

Patient instructions

  • • Report pain, bleeding, fever, worsening symptoms

Related in WardRound

Educational bedside guide. Perform only under supervision until competent. Follow local SOPs and consent policy.

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Clinical Decisions in Seconds