Postoperative administration of aerosolized medications: Part II--The techniques.

Abstract

Based on the content of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) verbalize the standard steps for proper aerosol administration for both small-volume jet nebulizers and metered dose inhalers in the nonintubated patient; (2) describe what type and volume of diluent to add to medication used in small-volume jet nebulization; (3) discuss considerations for using a particular carrier gas for small-volume jet nebulization; (4) describe proper techniques for administration of aerosolized medications to intubated patients; and (5) establish criteria pertinent to the evaluation of treatment efficacy.