Humidification & Aerosol

Question 1

Bubble Humidifier

Answer 1

Should be used for NC use at 4lpm or above, but
the higher the flow rate the less the exposure
time.
• Do not use with oximizers or venturi masks

Question 2

Jet Humidifier

Answer 2

• Forms aerosol
• Baffle system to break up particles into smaller sizes
• Low flow
• Large-volume jets are used for bland aerosol

Question 3

Ultrasonic Nebulizer

Answer 3

• Electrically powered
• Uses piezoelectric crystal to generate aerosol

output is controlled by amplitude, and particle size is controlled by frequency.

• Useful in the treatment of thick secretions that are
difficult to expectorate, and they can help to
stimulate a cough.

• The therapy can be delivered through a mouthpiece
or face mask. Therapy can be given with sterile
water, saline or a mixture of the two.

Question 4

Mist tents and hoods

Answer 4

Mainly used on children

• Tents and hoods are used to deliver bland aerosols
• Sometimes referred to as croup tents
• High flow rates should be used to prevent CO2 build up
• Must use some kind of cooling device to prevent heat retention: refrigeration devices or even ice

Question 5

Cascade Humidifier

Answer 5

• High Flow: Provide vapor to entire gas flow
• Used for mechanical ventilation, airway bypass (artificial airways)
• 100% humidity
• Usually heated to body temperature
• No back flow is allowed due to one-way valves

Question 6

HME (aka artificial nose)

Answer 6

• Captures exhaled heat and moisture, uses it to heat and humidify inhaled gas.
• Do not add heat or moisture–Use the body’s own heat and moisture.
• Book statement: should be used short term, flow less than 10 lpm, and in the absence of thick
secretions
• Practical purposed: Used all the time! Changed every 24 hours

Question 7

Particle size

Answer 7

• Particles between 0.005 and 50 microns, are
considered an aerosol.

• The smaller the particle, the greater the chance it will be deposited in the tracheobronchial tree.
• Particles between 2 and 5 microns are optimal in size for depositing in the bronchi, trachea and pharynx

> 5 microns (large particles): get deposited in the large and upper airways

Question 8

Baffle

Answer 8

causes the larger particles to coalesce and
collect in the reservoir.

• If the baffle is not used, the device is known as an
atomizer.
• When the baffle is used, it is then called a
nebulizer.

Question 9

Small-particle aerosol generator

SPAG

Answer 9

• This is a highly specialized jet-type aerosol generator
designed to for administering ribavirin (Virazole), the antiviral recommended for treating high risk infants and
children with respiratory syncytial virus infections.

Question 10

The reasons for administering aerosol

therapies

Answer 10

• For bronchial hygiene
• Hydrate dried secretions
• Promote cough
• Restore mucous blanket
• Humidify inspired gas
• Deliver prescribed medications
• Induce sputum lab culture

Question 11

Uses of Humidity therapy

Answer 11

Humidification of inspired gases
Thinning of bronchial secretions
Sputum induction