Chapter 6. Non-Parenteral Medication Administration Medications administered through inhalation are dispersed via an aerosol spray, mist, or powder that patients inhale into their airways. Although the primary effect of inhaled medications is respiratory, there are likely to be systemic effects as well. Most patients taking medication by inhaler have asthma or chronic respiratory disease and should learn how to administer these medications themselves. A variety of inhalers are available, and specific manufacturers’ instructions should always be checked and followed to ensure appropriate dosing. Medication by Small-Volume NebulizersNebulization is a process by which medications are added to inspired air and converted into a mist that is then inhaled by the patient into their respiratory system (Lilley et al., 2011; Perry et al., 2014.) (see Figure 6.4). The air droplets are finer than those created by metered dose inhalers, and delivery of the nebulized medication is by face mask or a mouthpiece held between the patient’s teeth. Checklist 51 outlines the steps for delivering medication through a small-volume nebulizer.
Medication by Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)A metered dose inhaler (MDI) is a small handheld device that disperses medication into the airways via an aerosol spray or mist through the activation of a propellant. A measured dose of the drug is delivered with each push of a canister, and dosing is usually achieved with one or two puffs. Checklist 52 lists the steps for administering medication by MDI.
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