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What is the primary mechanism through which a humidifier adds moisture to a gas?
Which variable has the most significant influence on how efficiently a humidifier operates?
What size of particles is considered ideal for effective aerosol therapy?
What is the primary function of a Heat & Moisture Exchanger (HME) in aerosol therapy?
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Which of the following is NOT a hazard associated with the use of humidifiers?
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What occurs during the process of deposition in aerosol therapy?
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In aerosol therapy, what is meant by inertial impaction?
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What is the water vapor pressure commonly measured at for saturated conditions?
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How does humidity level in the air affect human physiology according to the study guide?
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What is the Average size of particles known as MMAD?
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Which type of aerosol solution is typically preferred for sputum induction in respiratory therapy?
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What is the main hazard associated with aerosol therapy that can cause bronchospasms?
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What is the primary purpose of a Small Volume Nebulizer (SVN)?
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In which method is aerosol created using high-frequency vibrations transmitted to a liquid?
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What is critical for ensuring proper medication delivery using Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs)?
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Which device is specifically used for the administration of ribavirin in infants with RSV/Bronchiolitis?
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What byproduct can occur from administering steroids via inhalation without rinsing the mouth afterward?
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How are powered Small Volume Nebulizers typically fueled?
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Continuous nebulization is designed for which situation in respiratory therapy?
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Which concentration of sodium chloride is classified as isotonic?
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What is one of the primary indications for aerosol therapy?
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In aerosol therapy, which condition is specifically addressed by the use of humidification?
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Which of the following is NOT an indication for using aerosol therapy?
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What is a key reason for using aerosol therapy for patients with artificial airways?
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How does aerosol therapy aid in the management of respiratory conditions?
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What condition can be directly benefited from the use of aerosol therapy in a hospital setting?
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Aerosol therapy can help in humidification of inspired gas primarily for which patient scenario?
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Which of the following is a common outcome of effective aerosol therapy in patients with retained secretions?
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In terms of aerosol therapy indications, what does 'delivering medications to the airways' specifically refer to?
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What is the primary classification of a saline solution with a concentration of 0.9% NaCl?
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How can aerosol therapy improve the management of patients with chronic lung conditions?
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Which type of nebulizer is specifically designed for long-term nebulization, often used for refractory bronchospasms?
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What type of aerosol delivery device is used for infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to administer ribavirin?
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What effect can occur when administering mucolytics via nebulization?
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What is the typical flow rate required for Small Volume Nebulizers to operate effectively?
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What is considered a potential risk associated with using hypertonic saline solutions in aerosol therapy?
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Which method of aerosol delivery uses high-frequency vibrations created by a piezoelectric crystal?
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What post-administration care should be taken after inhaling steroid medications to prevent complications?
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What characterizes hypertonic saline solutions commonly used in sputum induction?
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In aerosol therapy, which of the following is NOT considered a common delivery method for medications?
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Study Notes
Aerosols
- A suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas.
- Deposition occurs when molecules settle out of a solution.
- Density refers to how closely packed the parts of a substance are.
- Evaporation is when water changes from a liquid to a gas.
- Body humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air.
- Optimal humidity for humans is 30-60%.
- High humidity can lead to swelling and infection.
- Low humidity can increase coughing, wheezing, and a sensation of coldness.
- Inertial impaction occurs when a particle cannot follow sudden changes in gas flow direction.
- MMAD (Mean Mass Aerodynamic Diameter) is the average size of particles.
- Ideal particle sizes are 5 μm.
Humidifiers
- Devices that add water vapor to a gas (air or oxygen).
- Temperature is the most significant variable influencing humidification.
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Surface area is the second most influential variable in humidification.
- Larger surface areas lead to greater evaporation.
- This is the main theory behind "wick" humidifiers.
- Time of contact with the water source also influences humidification.
Bubble-Diffusion Humidifiers
- Similar to the bubble humidifier on a nasal cannula.
- Oxygen is directed underwater where it is broken down into small bubbles, which rise to the surface, creating greater evaporation and increasing water vapor content.
- Gas flow rate is the most significant factor influencing bubble-diffusion humidifiers.
Types of Humidifiers
- Bubble: Creates oxygen bubbles that diffuse through water, increasing humidity.
- Passover: Oxygen is passed over a water source, increasing humidity as it picks up water vapor.
- HME (Heat & Moisture Exchanger): Captures exhaled heat and moisture from the patient to heat and humidify the next inspiratory breath.
Heated Humidifiers
- Often used on ventilators.
- 37°C for intubated patients.
- 31°C to 34°C for mask ventilators.
Hazards of Humidifiers
- Condensation can occur, which should be treated as infectious waste.
- Use a water trap or heated circuits to prevent condensation.
- Do not drain condensate back into the reservoir or toward the patient.
Aerosol Therapy
- Indications for aerosol therapy include:
- Retained secretions
- Delivery of medications to the airways
- Humidification of inspired gas for patients with artificial airways
- Sputum induction
- Upper airway inflammation (cool mist most effective)
Bland Aerosol Therapy
- Uses sterile saline solutions.
- Isotonic: 0.9% NaCl (sodium chloride)
- Hypotonic: < 0.9% NaCl
- Hypertonic: > 0.9% NaCl (commonly 3%, 5%, 7%, or 9% NaCl)
- Commonly used for sputum induction.
- Hypertonic solutions are typically preferred over hypotonic.
Hazards of Aerosol Therapy
- Infection
- Airway reactivity (can cause bronchospasms)
- Systemic effects
- Drug reconcentration
- Over-hydration
Small Volume Nebulizers (SVN)
- Used to administer various medications, including:
- SABAs
- LABAs
- Antibiotics
- Steroids
- Mucolytics (may cause bronchospasms)
- Powered by compressed gas sources (air or oxygen).
- Pulmo-Aide is a home use option when gas sources are unavailable.
Delivery Methods for SVN
-
Mouthpiece
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Snug-fitting mask
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Blow-by
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Requires flows of approximately 7 to 8 L/min.
Ultrasonic Nebulizers (USN)
- Electrically powered.
- Create high-frequency vibrations using a piezoelectric crystal.
- These vibrations are transmitted to a liquid, generating aerosol droplets.
Other Aerosol Delivery Devices
- SPAG (Small Particle Aerosol Generator): Specifically for administering ribavirin (Virazole), used for infants with RSV/Bronchiolitis.
- Respirgard Nebulizer: Specifically for administering pentamidine, used for treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
- Continuous Nebulization: Very similar to SVN but designed for long-term nebulization (1 hour or more), often used for refractory bronchospasms.
MDIs/DPIs
- Used to administer various medications, including:
- SABAs
- LABAs
- Antibiotics
- Steroids
- Requires hand-breath coordination.
- Cold Freon Effect can occur, which can be mitigated by using spacers/holding chambers.
Administration of Steroids
- Patients should always rinse their mouths after using steroids.
- Hyperplastic candidiasis (thrush) is a possible side effect of steroid use.
BTPS (Body Temperature, Pressure, & Saturation)
- 37°C.
Sputum Induction
- Hypertonic saline solutions (3%, 5%, 7%, or 9% NaCl) are commonly used for sputum induction.
- Hypertonic saline solutions are typically preferred over hypotonic solutions.
Hazards of Aerosol Therapy
- Potential for infection
- Airway reactivity can lead to bronchospasms
- Systemic effects
- Drug reconcentration
- Over-hydration can lead to inspissated (thickened) pulmonary sections due to the swelling caused by high-density aerosols.
Small Volume Nebulizers (SVN)
- Used to administer a variety of medications including:
- Short-acting beta-agonists (SABA)
- Long-acting beta-agonists (LABA)
- Antibiotics
- Steroids
- Mucolytics
- Powered by air or oxygen sources
- Delivery methods include mouthpiece, snug-fitting mask, and blow-by
- Require flow rates of approximately 7 to 8 L/min
Ultrasonic Nebulizers (USN)
- Electrically powered
- Create high-frequency vibrations using a piezoelectric crystal
- Vibrations are transmitted to a liquid to create aerosol droplets
Other Aerosol Delivery Devices
- Small Particle Aerosol Generator (SPAG)
- Specifically for administering ribavirin (Virazole)
- Used for infants with RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)/bronchiolitis
- Respirgard Nebulizer
- Specifically for administering pentamidine
- Used for treating Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
- Continuous Nebulization
- Similar to SVN but designed for long-term nebulization (1 hour or more)
- Used for refractory bronchospasms
Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs) / Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs)
- Used to administer medications such as:
- Short-acting beta-agonists (SABA)
- Long-acting beta-agonists (LABA)
- Antibiotics
- Steroids
- Requires hand-breath coordination
- May experience the "cold freon" effect
- Use of spacers or holding chambers can improve delivery
Administration of Steroids
- Patients should rinse their mouth after use to prevent hyperplastic candidiasis (thrush)
Body Temperature, Pressure, & Saturation (BTPS)
- Refers to conditions at 37°C
Aerosol Therapy
- Indications for use:
- Retained secretions
- Delivery of medications to the airways
- Humidification of inspired gas for patients with artificial airways
Definitions
- Aerosol: A suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas.
- Humidity/Humidification: Amount of water vapor in the air. Relative humidity is expressed as a percentage.
- Deposition: When molecules settle out of a solution (the opposite of dissolution).
- Density: Having parts that are close together; mass of a unit volume of a substance.
- Evaporation: Water changing from a liquid to a gas.
- Body Humidity: Humans prefer 30-60% humidity. Elevated levels can lead to swelling, infection, and a feeling of increased temperature. Decreased levels can increase coughing, wheezing, and a feeling of coldness.
- Inertial Impaction: A particle's inability to follow sudden changes in gas flow direction.
- Mean Mass Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD): Average size of particles.
- Ideal Particle Sizes: 5 μm
Humidifiers
- Devices that add molecular water to a gas (air or oxygen).
- Occurs through evaporation.
- Variables that affect humidifiers:
- Temperature (most significant)
- Surface area (greater surface area= more evaporation). This is the main theory behind "wick" humidifiers.
- Time of contact with water source
- Types of humidifiers:
- Bubble
- Passover
- Heat & Moisture Exchanger (HME)
- Captures exhaled heat and moisture from the patient, which then heats and humidifies the next inspiratory breath.
- Heated Humidifiers
- Often used with ventilators
- 37°C for intubated patients
- 31°C to 34°C for mask ventilators
Humidifier Hazards
- Condensation
- Treat condensation as infectious waste
- Use a water trap or install heated circuits
- Do NOT drain condensate back into the reservoir or towards the patient or suction waste.
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Description
Test your knowledge on aerosols and humidifiers with this quiz. Explore concepts related to particle sizes, humidity levels, and the importance of these devices in maintaining optimal air quality. Perfect for students studying environmental science or related fields.
