Two Types of Inhalation

1. Intermittent (interrupted) e.g. Nelson's inhaler.
2. Continues method e.g. steam tent.

1. Nelson's Inhaler

Equipment
• Nelson's inhaler with the mouth piece
• Cover for the inhaler (blanket or towel)
• A bowl or saucepan to carry the inhaler
• Face towel to wipe the face as patient required
• Gauze can be use around the mouthpiece to prevent burning of the lips.
• A tray. Large enough, to carry the inhaler to take it to the bedsides.
• A measuring jug with water which is 820C
• The drug ordered might be eucalyptus, tincture of benzene (about 4 cc).

Procedure
• Inhaler should be warmed and glass mouthpiece boiled
• Measure the drug as ordered. Either point in the graduate measure 90 cc of cold water and 500 cc of boiled water to bring the temperate 820c or half by half
or pour half point (300cc) of boiling water into the inhaler than 5 cc of tincture of benzene or any other drug ordered.
• Then add 300 cc water making sure that the temperature of water in the inhaler comes to 820C. This is done in order to have a good mixture of the drug. The level of the fluid should not be above the spout.
• Fix the mouthpiece firmly in the inhaler in direction opposite to the air inlet and cover the inhaler with blanket or towel
• Close windows.
• Prepare the patient usually in a sitting - up position making sure that he/she is well supported.
• Then put inhaler on a saucepan on the tray.
• Place the tray on the over- bed table or on his knees in such a way that he can bend over the inhaler easily.
• Put the spout for the escape of steam away from him.
• Cover his head with blanket.
• Tell the patient to breath in by putting his lip to the mouth piece which may be protected by a piece of gauze, and breath out by removing his lips for a moment from the mouth piece
• The treatment can take from 5-10 minutes after which the patient should be kept warm and comfortable for some time.

N.B:
1. If a Nelson's inhaler is not available a wide- mouthed jug may used. The patient should be covered up to the waist with a balance from a canopy, or the mouth of the jug may be covered with a towel to make the opening small enough for the patient to put his nose and mouth (not eyes) on it.
2. For irrational, helpless patients, stay with them throughout the procedure.
3. Report the amount and nature of any sputum or discharge.

Care of Equipment after use
• Pour out the water from the inhaler (not onto a sink)
• Wash the inhaler with hot water
• Boil the mouth piece