The weight or mass of aerosol particles produced by a nebulizer.
LVN output (heated)
33-55 mg/L
Devices that deliver aerosol
Trach mask, T-piece, Aerosol mask, Face tent
Troubleshooting aerosol delivery
1) insuffcient flow to nebulizer 2) condensation in aerosol tubing 3) No water in reservoir 4)clogged capillary tube
How do you check for adequate aerosol flow?
See if the mist is still present during pt inspiration.
Amt of source gas flow that can go thru a LVN
12-14 L/min
How do you increase source L/min flow through an LVN ?
1)Tandem set-up 2) Misty-Ox setup/high flow setup, Misty Ox allows for 40L/min source gas flow
Water in the delivery tubing causes 2 results.
1)Decreases total flow 2)Less air is entrained and the FIO2 delivered is increased.
USN are powered by what?
Piezoelectric crystal
What does a Piezoelectric crystal in a USN do?
Creates vibrations in the liquid that creates the aerosol droplets.
Particle size created by USN?
4 - 6 microns
When is it indicated to use a USN?
When thick secretions need to be mobilized.
Troubleshooting for a USN
1) Check the amplitude 2) Check the blower flow or source gas flow 3) check the filter 4) Check the fluid/med level 5) Check for condensation in aerosol tubing.
Hazards of bland aerosol therapy
Infection, Airway reactivity, Overhydration, airway obstruction, and noise levels.
What's the type of relationship of aerosol density to gas flow?
Inverse
3 factors that aerosols are dependent on to do their job:
1) particle size 2) penetration 3) deposition
Whats the most important factor for aerosol to do its job?
particle size
What does MMAD stand for?
Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter
What's the Recommended MMAD for the Up airway?
> 10-15 microns
What's the Recommended MMAD for the larynx, trachea, and larger airways?
5 - 10 microns
What's the Recommended MMAD for the Lower airway?
2 - 5 microns
What's the Recommended MMAD for the lung parencyhma?
1 - 2 microns
What happens to particles < 1 micron in the airways?