1. Nebuliser Training for parents and carers
Carer skills passport
Nebuliser Training for parents and carers
Jenny Bayliss Specialist Nurse

2. Aims To know what a nebuliser is
To understand why, when and how a nebuliser is given
To know how to set up and use a nebuliser machine
To know how to look after and clean a nebuliser machine
To know when to get help

3. Nebuliser – what is it?
A machine that turns a liquid into a vapour that can be inhaled directly into the lungs. Through the nose and mouth or tracheostomy to help breathing and keeping the lungs healthy

4. Why do complex children have respiratory problems?
Children with complex physical needs often have respiratory problems due to
Non-mobile
Poor cough and airway clearance
Problems with swallowing and aspiration
Muscle weakness and scoliosis

5. How do I know there's a respiratory problem?
Recurrent chest infections
Noisy breathing (including wheeze)
Working hard to breath
Poor colour
Not maintaining saturations
Coughing
Thick, sticky secretions
Secretions that are no longer white or clear

6. Prevention is key in supporting a healthy Respiratory System
A respiratory assessment will be carried out by a physiotherapist and preventative measures put in place, such as
Chest physiotherapy
Postural changes (standing frame, tummy time etc)
Nebulisers
Cough assist
Suction

7. Different types of nebulisers

8. Giving a Nebuliser It’s a medicine and should be prescribed
The medicine needs to be nebulised using air or oxygen (if prescribed)
The nebuliser machines already generate air pressure

9. 0.9% Normal Saline is the most common nebuliser used for loosening secretions
A steroid can be given for an inflamed, wheezy or tight chest to open the airways

10. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat chest infections
NB Precautions should be taken when giving antibiotic nebulisers (filter used, ventilate room, wear mask, pregnancy)

11. Setting up a nebuliser
Demonstration and practice of setting up a nebuliser and switching on the machine

12. Any questions?