An aerosol treatment is being administered via a jet nebulizer. After 8 minutes the nebulizer starts "sputtering." What should the therapist do at this point?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

With three different fill volumes, albuterol delivery from a nebulizer was found to cease after the onset of inconsistent nebulization (sputtering). Aerosol output is declined by one-half within 20 seconds of the onset of sputtering. The concentration of albuterol in the nebulizer cup increased significantly once the aerosol output declined, and further weight loss in the nebulizer was caused primarily by evaporation. The conclusion was that aerosolization past the point of initial jet nebulizer sputter is ineffective.

An Aerosol Treatment Is Being Administered Via a Jet Nebulizer