Paediatric Nursing (PAED)
NEBULIZING A CHILD WITH SIMPLE FACE MASK
This is the administration of aerosolized medication to a child using a nebulizer with a face mask.
Purpose
- Deliver bronchodilators to airways
- Administer anti-inflammatory medications
- Moisten airway secretions
- Relieve bronchospasm
- Improve breathing
Indications
- Asthma exacerbation
- Bronchiolitis
- Croup
- Chronic lung disease
- Cystic fibrosis
Equipment
- Nebulizer machine
- Nebulizer cup/chamber
- Appropriate face mask (pediatric size)
- Tubing
- Prescribed medication
- Normal saline
- Oxygen source if needed
- Timer
Preparation
- Check medication order
- Prepare medication in nebulizer cup
- Ensure equipment is functioning
- Position child appropriately
Procedure steps
- Verify medication order
- Explain procedure to child and family
- Perform hand hygiene
- Assemble nebulizer equipment
- Add prescribed medication to nebulizer cup
- Add normal saline if required to achieve 3-5ml total volume
- Connect tubing to compressor
- Select appropriate sized mask
- Position child comfortably (upright if possible)
- Place mask securely over nose and mouth
- Turn on compressor
- Observe for mist production
- Encourage slow deep breaths
- Tap cup periodically to ensure full medication delivery
- Continue until medication is nebulized (usually 10-15 minutes)
- Turn off compressor
- Remove mask
- Assist child to rinse mouth if steroid used
- Clean equipment after use
Precautions
- Verify medication and dose
- Ensure proper mask fit
- Monitor for adverse reactions
- Clean equipment between uses
- Watch for paradoxical bronchospasm
Aftercare
- Assess respiratory status
- Monitor for improvement
- Document response
- Clean and store equipment
Nursing considerations
- Use distraction techniques for anxious children
- Allow parent to hold infant/toddler
- Consider timing with feedings
- Assess need for oxygen addition
Patient education
- Teach proper nebulizer use
- Demonstrate cleaning technique
- Explain medication purpose
- Discuss recognizing improvement/worsening
Documentation
- Medication and dose administered
- Duration of treatment
- Child's tolerance
- Pre and post-treatment assessment
- Any adverse reactions
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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