UPDATED 2024

Inhalation is defined as the drawing of air or other vapors into lungs through mouth or nose.

Steam inhalation is defined as utilization of moist heat to loosen lung congestion and help liquify secretions

Purpose

• To relieve inflammation of the mucus membrane in acute colds and in sinusitis
• To relieve irritation in bronchitis and whooping cough by moistening
• To provide antiseptic action on the respiratory tract
• To provide warm and moist air following operation, e.g. tracheotomy
• To soften thick, tenacious mucus and relieve coughing

Types of Inhalations

• Dry-Inhalation: ether, chloroform, nitrous oxide, menthol, eucalyptus and spirit ammonia
• Water moist inhalation: plain steam, tincture benzoic, menthol in alcohol and oil of eucalyptus solution

Indication of Tincture Benzoin Inhalation

• Purulent bronchitis
• Bronchiectasis
• Lung abscess
• Common cold and sore throat

General Instructions

• The temperature of the water should be remaining between 120 and 160 degree F or 54.4 and 76.7 degree Celcius
• Water in the inhaler should remain just below the spout to avoid scalding
• The spout of the inhaler must be placed in such a way that the patient cannot touch it or put his face too near
• Keep the patient warm and prevent drought before, during and after the inhalation
• When volatile groups like menthols are used to keep his eyes closed to prevent the drug irritating the conjunctiva
• Observe the patient closely throughout the procedure

Preliminary Assessment

Check

• The doctors order for any specific instructions
• General condition and diagnosis of the patient
• Self-care ability to follow instructions
• Type, duration and medication of inhalation
• Articles available in the unit

Preparation of the Patient and Environment

• Explain the procedure to the patient
• Allow the patient to empty to the bladder and towels if necessary. Given bedpan or urinal to a bedridden patient
• Provide Fowler’s position with back rest, cardiac table and extra pillows
• Close windows, doors and put off fan to prevent drought
• Provide sputum cup within the reach of the patient
• Provide a face towel to remove sweat from face during inhalation
• Mouth piece should be boiled and cooled before use
• Arrange the articles at the bedside

Equipment

A tray containing:

• Nelson’s inhaler in a large bowel
• Face towel and patient towel – 1
• Bath blanket
• Tincture benzoin
• Teaspoon, dropper
• Kettle with boiling water
• Gauze pieces
• Cotton swabs
• Swab sticks
• Kidney tray and paper bag

Procedure

• Wash hands
• Open sterile inhaler mouth – piece and cover with sterile gauze and attach to clean inhaler
• Close spout of inhaler with cotton ball. Pour boiling water up to spout. Add medicine (tincture benzoin) if needed. Close inhaler with mouth piece and take to bed side
• Face spout away from patient and remove cotton ball
• Instruct to take in deep breath through mouth and breathe out through nose
• Continue procedure for 15 to 20 minutes keep patient warm throughout to prevent chilling
• Give chest physiotherapy and encourage patient ot bring out sputum

After Care

• Remove the inhaler from the patient
• Use face towel to wipe of perspiration from his face
• Remove the accessories and make the patient comfortable
• Replace the articles after cleaning
• Wash hands
• Record the procedure in nurse’s record sheet

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