Students' Perspectives on Nebulized Drugs and Nebulizer Maintenance

The geriatric population experiences a variety of respiratory concerns including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, and lower respiratory infections. Treating these illnesses often requires the use of inhaled therapies that can be delivered through mult...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Consultant pharmacist Vol. 32; no. 9; p. 519
Main Authors Ngai, Kristine, Persico, Amelia L, Brodeur, Michael R
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.09.2017
Subjects
Aged
Dry Powder Inhalers
Health Services for the Aged
Humans
Infection Control
Metered Dose Inhalers
Nebulizers and Vaporizers
Students, Pharmacy
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:The geriatric population experiences a variety of respiratory concerns including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, and lower respiratory infections. Treating these illnesses often requires the use of inhaled therapies that can be delivered through multiple modalities, each of which carries its own pros and cons unique to its use in the geriatric population. Pharmacists have an opportunity to play a role in optimizing the selection of delivery devices and in providing patient and provider education on appropriate use of inhaled therapies. Through patient counseling and correct device selection, patient outcomes can be improved. This paper explores the differences among devices, provides specific information regarding drug mixing for nebulization, provides information regarding cleaning/maintenance of nebulizers, and addresses specific concerns related to geriatric care. It can serve as a reference for pharmacists and student pharmacists as they educate patients and providers.
ISSN:0888-5109
DOI:10.4140/TCP.n.2017.519