Considerations:
- Attempt to provide the student with as much privacy as possible, given the urgency of the situation
Supplies:
- Medication
- Nebulizer machine (air compressor)
- Connecting tubing
- Facemask, or a mouthpiece held in the mouth
- Individualized Health Plan (IHP) and/or Healthcare provider’s orders
Procedure:
- Position student
- Explain the procedure to the student at his/her level of understanding
- Encourage the student to assist in the procedure as much as he/she is able to help student learn self-care skills
- Review IHP and/or healthcare provider’s orders
- Check for authorization forms/records
- Medication Administration Form
- Medical provider
- Parent/guardian
- Check for the Five Rights
- Right student
- Correct time
- The medicine container matches authorization forms and medication administration record
- The dose on mediation container matches authorization form and records
- The medication is in the correct route as identified on medication container, authorization forms and medication record
- Ensure the medication has not expired
- Wash hands
- Set up and plug in the nebulizer machine in a location where the power source is close to a comfortable location for the medication to be administered
- Follow the directions for the specific brand of nebulizer machine and cup
- Unscrew top of nebulizer cup
- Add medication into the bottom half of the nebulizer cup
- Screw the top of the cup back on
- Attach the tubing from the cup to the nebulizer machine and the cup onto the facemask or mouthpiece
- Place either the facemask on the student or the mouthpiece in his or her mouth and turn on the machine
- A mist of medication should rapidly appear
- Instruct the student to take relatively normal slow deep breaths
- Keep the nebulizer cup in an upright position
- The cup may require some tapping on the sides toward the end of the treatment to optimize the completion of the dose
- The treatment is complete when there is no more mist from the cup (usually 10–15 minutes)
- Turn off the machine
- Remove the mask or mouthpiece
- Rinse nebulizer cup, mouthpiece or mask under warm water
- Shake off excess water
- Place on paper towel to dry
- Reassess respiratory status
- Wash hands
- Document assessment, intervention and outcome in student’s healthcare record
- Update parents/guardian and healthcare provider, if needed
Cleaning and storing:
- Take the nebulizer apart
- Set tubing aside
- Do not soak, wash or rinse tubing
- Replace it if it becomes cloudy, discolored or wet inside
- Wash the medicine cup and mask with warm, soapy water
- Rinse the medicine cup and mask in warm water
- Let all pieces air dry on a paper towel
- When dry, put pieces in a plastic bag or container
Disinfect weekly
- Soak medicine cup and mask in half strength vinegar for at least 10 minutes or overnight
- Rinse with water
- Let all pieces air dry on a paper towel
- When dry, put pieces in a plastic bag or container
Care of the machine
- Wipe with a damp cloth
- Check the filter monthly
- Change it every six months or sooner if discolored
- The machine should be serviced every five years
References:
Children’s of Wisconsin. (2014). Using a nebulizer with a mask. Available at: https://childrenswi.org/-/media/chwlibrary/publication-media-library/2020/07/10/21/16/5010en.pdf
Children’s of Wisconsin. (2014). Using a nebulizer with a mouthpiece. Available at: https://childrenswi.org/-/media/chwlibrary/publication-media-library/2020/07/10/21/16/5011en.pdf
Connecticut State Department of Education. (2012). Clinical Procedure Guidelines for Connecticut School Nurses. Available at:
http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/pdf/publications/clinical_guidelines/clinical_guidelines.pdf
Medline Plus. (2020). How to use a nebulizer. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000006.htm
Acknowledgment of Initial Reviewers:
Marcia Creasy, BSN, RN
Retired School Nurse
Mary Kay Kempken, RN, BSN, NCSN
School Nurse
Randall Consolidated School
Page last updated: September 15, 2021
Page last reviewed: September 15, 2021
The information and materials presented in this Website are intended for informational purposes only and are not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or assist in diagnosis or treatment of the same. The information is not intended to substitute for, supplement or replace clinical judgment. If there are any concerns or questions about or relating to a nursing or medical procedure, contact the individual’s healthcare provider. The information provided on this Website is not intended to be a substitute for medical orders and persons without the proper education, training, supervision and/or licensure should not perform the procedures.