Paediatric Nursing (PAED)
NEBULIZER THERAPY FOR A CHILD
Administration of aerosolized medication directly to the respiratory tract.
Purpose
- Deliver bronchodilators
- Administer anti-inflammatory agents
- Loosen secretions
- Treat respiratory conditions
Indications
- Asthma
- Bronchiolitis
- Croup
- Cystic fibrosis
- Pneumonia
Equipment
- Nebulizer machine
- Medication cup
- Pediatric mask or mouthpiece
- Tubing
- Prescribed medication
- Normal saline
- Timer
Preparation
- Check medication order
- Prepare medication
- Assemble equipment
- Position child comfortably
Procedure steps
- Verify medication order
- Explain procedure
- Perform hand hygiene
- Prepare medication
- Assemble nebulizer
- Position child
- Apply mask/mouthpiece
- Turn on nebulizer
- Monitor treatment
- Clean equipment
- Document therapy
Precautions
- Verify medication and dose
- Monitor for adverse reactions
- Ensure proper fit
- Clean between uses
Aftercare
- Assess respiratory status
- Clean face/mouth
- Rinse mouth if steroid used
- Document response
Nursing considerations
- Use distraction techniques
- Allow parent presence
- Consider timing with feeds
Patient education
- Teach nebulizer use
- Demonstrate cleaning
- Explain medication purpose
Documentation
- Medication and dose
- Treatment duration
- Patient tolerance
- Respiratory assessment
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
Open Component Task app