Title: Administer or assist the client with self-administration of a nebulizer treatment.
Course: Medication Aide (14051-36) > Section: Examining Administration of Prepared Instillations and Treatments

Administration should include knowledge of the purpose of nebulizer treatments to administer medication for respiratory disease in the form of a mist.

Administration should include following the procedures for inhalation therapy using a nebulizer:

- Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the nebulizer machine.
- Provide for client privacy and explain the procedure.
- Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR and read the label three times.
- Date and initial multi-use containers when opened.
- Wash your hands.
- Put on gloves.
- Open the vial containing the medicine and squeeze the contents into the nebulizer cup or measure the appropriate amount of medication and place it in the nebulizer cup.
- Connect the nebulizer to the mouthpiece or mask.
- Connect the nebulizer to the compressor.
- Position the client upright; instruct the client to place the mouthpiece in his/her mouth or place the mask over the client’s mouth.
- Turn on the compressor.
- Instruct the client to breathe calmly, deeply, and as evenly as possible without speaking until no mist is formed in the nebulizer chamber (usually 5-15 minutes); ask the client to hold each breath a second or two before breathing out.
- Advise the client to brush their teeth and rinse after the administration of the medication.
- When the treatment is complete, clean the equipment following manufacturer’s instructions.

- Remove and properly dispose of gloves and wash your hands.

- Document the administration according to facility policy.

Note: The principle of administering medication by pulmonary inhalation is the same, regardless of how it is administered. When assisting with nebulizer treatments, an MA must know how to use the nebulizer machine and chamber into which the medication is poured before giving the medication. If unsure as to how they work, an MA should seek assistance from a supervisor, pharmacist, or an HCP before attempting to operate the machine. The machines usually have concise instructions for use and cleaning. It is recommended that these instructions be placed in a plastic sleeve or notebook and kept with the machine.