Inhalation Procedure

Definition: Inhalation is the act of drawing in of gas vapor or steam into the lungs for therapeutic purposes it could be in dry, moist or vapour form.

i. Oxygen Administration:

Purpose
To provide and maintain a normal supply of o2 for blood, and tissues. o2 may be administered in three ways.
1. By mask
2. Nasal Catheter
3. Tent.

1. Giving O2 by mask
There are many kinds of masks used for O2 administration the common ones are:
1. The venture mask
2. The B.L.B. masks (Boothby. Lovelace & Bulbulain)

The venture mask gives a controlled amount of O2 i.e. it is not high to cause respiratory depression & it is sufficient to relieve anoxia. It gives 24-35% of O2

The B.L.B mask provides an oxygen concentration of 90% with the flow meter set at 7 liters/minute. This kind of mask allows the patient to eat, drink and to expectorate. If the patient cannot breath through his nose, the B.L.B mask should not be used.

Equipment
- A cylinder of O2 with a reducing value and pressure tubing to be connected with the O2 cylinder.
- Mask
- Safety pin to secure the tubing to the bed linen
- Tissue paper to clean the nostrils with. If the patient is unconscious, a tray containing a galipot of saline or water, wooden applicator and receiver for soiled applicator is necessary in order to clean the nostrils

Procedure
1. The adjustment is turned on before bringing the cylinder to the bedside.
2. Explain treatment to pt.
3. Bring equipment to the bedside
4. Ask him to clean his nostril to avoid obstruction (if well enough)
5. Connect the mask to tubing and open the fine adjustment to the required rate of flow. Then apply the mask to the patient's face making sure that it rests comfortably on the pt's face. See that the tubing is secured to the bed linen by means of safety pin. Stay with the patient till he is reassured if it is his first time to be on oxygen therapy.