The respiratory therapist is administering a standard nebulizer with a mask to a 2-year-old child. The mask is being held away from the child's face ("blow-by") due to crying. What should the RT consider doing to improve aerosol lung deposition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Infants and small children, under the age of 4 years, may not be able to use a mouthpiece, requiring a mask for administration.Because some children may cry when a mask is applied, some clinicians have recommended the use of blow-by, that is, directing a stream of aerosol from a nebulizer toward the mouth and nose of an infant, often from up to 6 inches away. According to a recent in vitro study conducted by Mansour and Smaldone, aerosol delivery via blow-by can be a good alternative for uncooperative children if the breath-enhanced nebulizer is used for aerosol therapy as opposed to a standard jet nebulizer.

The Respiratory Therapist Is Administering a Standard Nebulizer with a Mask