Humidification

Question 1

Primary indication for humidification therapy

Answer 1

-humidify dry medical gases
-overcoming humidy deficit created when upper respiratory tract is bypassed

Question 2

Secondary indication for humidification therapy

Answer 2

-manage hypothermia
-treats bronchospasm caused by cold air

Question 3

Indications for humidification therapy during PT interventions

Answer 3

-thick tenacious secretions
-non-optimal use of URT
-poor cough that limits movement of secretions
-O2 therapy that causes mucousal dehydration

Question 4

Methods of humidifications

Answer 4

-systemic hydration
-cold water bath humidifiers
-heated water bath humidifiers
-heat and moisture exchangers (HME)

Question 5

Systemic hydration

Answer 5

-systemic fluid intake is always a priority and cheapest form
-dehydration causes thick secretion and impairs O2 therapy

Question 6

Cold water bath humidifiers

Answer 6

-O2 gas conducted through water
-for pt on O2 therapy and dehydration of URT
-is less effective at O2 therapy flow increases due to the cooling of water

Question 7

Heated water bath humidifiers

Answer 7

-gas blown over heated sterile water and the absorbed water vapor that is inhaled by pt
-used for spontaneous breathing and mechanically ventilated pts
-positioned below pt airway
-temp== 32-37 degrees

Question 8

Heat and moisture exchangers (HME)

Answer 8

-for spontaneous and mechanically ventilated
-increase in resistance increases work of breathing
-changed every 24-48hrs or if soiled with secretions

Question 9

Humidification methods with PT interventions

Answer 9

jet and ultrasonic nebuliser
-sips of water if pt is able to

Question 10

Hazards of humidification

Answer 10

-increases pt work of breathing
-cold mist/water causes bronchoconstriction
-water reservoirs may become infected with pathogens