OBJECTIES:

• Identify patients who will benefit from nebulized albuterol administration.
• Identify the proper technique of administering nebulized albuterol.
• Identify the dose for adult and pediatric patient.

PROCEDURES

• Undertake universal precautions.
• Perform patient assessment
• Place patient in position of comfort (sitting).
• Connect to cardiac monitor; attach pulse oximetry and BP cuff.
• Prepare all equipment.
• Check medication dose (adult 2.5 mg in 3 ml saline, pediatric 0.15mg/kg in 3 ml saline) and empty into nebulizer chamber.
• Attach tubing to an oxygen outlet flowing at 6 liters /minute.
• Administer solution by having patient put lips around mouthpiece and breathe deeply. For children unable to comply, hold mouthpiece (one of the parents is better) near nose and mouth.
• For patients with difficulty using the mouthpiece, it is permissible to attach the nebulizer to a simple facemask.

MEDICAL DIRECTOR:

Contact medical director if:

• Pulse rate increases by 30 or more BPM.
• Patient develops PVC or ventricular ectopy increases.
• Respiratory distress increases.
• There is a need to repeat the procedure.

CONTRAINDICATIONS.

• Hypersensitivity.
• Uncontrolled cardiac dysrhythmia.

COMPLICATIONS:

• Headache
• Nervousness
• Palpitation
• PVC
• Nausea/vomiting