Inhalation route

Nebulization
 Medical Surgical Nursing

Skills Laboratory & Clinical

Spacer devices have a chamber that receives the aerosol before it is
inhaled. They serve two functions:
a) to overcome difficulties in coordinating the timing of the inhaler actuation
and inhalation,
b) to slow down the speed of delivery of the aerosol into the mouth so that
less of the drug impacts in the throat likewise giving a longer time to breathe
the meds.

commonly used in children who need to use inhalers and will often
have a mask attached to them which goes over the child’s nose and mouth.
• Shake the inhaler after
removing the cap.
• Breathe out for 1 or 2
seconds.

• Put the inhaler in your

mouth or 1 to 2 inches
from it and start to
breathe in slowly, like
sipping hot soup.
• While starting to breathe in,
press the top of the inhaler.
• Breathe in slowly until your
lungs are full. (This should take
about 5 or 6 seconds.)
• Hold your breath for 10
seconds (or as long as you
can).
• Breathe out and, if a second
dose is required, repeat the
procedure after 1 minute.
• If you find it difficult to
coordinate breathing using this
method, a spacer can be
used.
 Measure your medicine.
Always use clean measuring devices (eyedroppers or
syringes).
Remove the top part of the nebulizer cup
Place the medicine in the bottom of the nebulizer cup.
Attach the top portion of the nebulizer cup,
and connect the mouthpiece or face mask to the cup.
Connect the tubing to the nebulizer and compressor.
Turn on the compressor with the on/off switch

Once you turn on the compressor, you should

see a light mist
If you are using a mouthpiece,
place it in your mouth and seal your lips tightly around it.
If you are using a face mask,
position it comfortably and securely on your face.

Inhale slowly and deeply.

Hold your breath for a count of five and exhale slowly.
Continue to inhale slowly and deeply until the medicine is CONSUMED.
When the medicine is gone, turn the compressor off and unplug it.