Pediatric Community

  • 1.  Inhaler Process

    Posted 12 days ago

    I was curious about your process for handling inhalers at discharge. Currently, our RT team provides the inhaler to the guardian when the patient is ready to go home. We've run into a few challenges with this process at times, such as the inhaler not being given before discharge or occasionally being given to the wrong patient.

    I wanted to see how your team manages this. Do you follow a similar process, or do you leave the inhaler in the room with the guardian since it will be going home with them anyway?

    I would appreciate any insight or feedback you can share. Thank you!



    ------------------------------
    Jesssica Burleson RN,BSN,CPEN
    Emergency Department Director
    Corpus Christi, TX
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Inhaler Process

    Posted 11 days ago
    Hi, Jessica,

    At our pediatric emergency department, RT provides instruction and teaching with spacers and the inhalers to the child and guardian (depending on the age of the child). They are then given both to take home with written instructions for use as well. There have been times when RT is short-staffed or very busy, so if they are not able to provide the teaching, the nurse will provide it.