Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Distilled Water Instillation
• Medical Term: A7018 - Water, distilled, used with large volume nebulizer, 1000 ml

Summary

A procedure that involves using distilled water as a medium in a large volume nebulizer to aid in respiratory treatments. The water vaporizes, allowing patients to inhale it, which helps in humidifying and loosening respiratory secretions.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed: Asthma, COPD, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions requiring airway humidification.
• Goals/Expected Outcomes: To humidify the respiratory tract, facilitate easier breathing, and help clear mucus from airways.

Indications

• Patients experiencing dry airways or thick mucus.
• Respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, or bronchitis.
• Post-surgical care to ensure airway moisture.

Preparation

• No specific fasting required.
• Ensure nebulizer equipment is clean and functioning.
• Patients should follow routine medication schedules unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.

Procedure Description

1. Setup: Prepare the nebulizer by filling it with distilled water (1000 ml).
2. Connection: Connect the nebulizer to a power source and attach the face mask or mouthpiece appropriately.
3. Administration: Turn on the nebulizer to aerosolize the distilled water.
4. Inhalation: The patient inhales the mist for a set period, typically 10-15 minutes.
   • Tools: Large volume nebulizer, distilled water.
   • Anesthesia: Not required.

Duration

• Typically takes around 10-15 minutes per session.

Setting

• Performed in various settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, or at home under guidance.

Personnel

• Often administered by respiratory therapists, nurses, or trained healthcare providers.
• Can also be self-administered by patients at home with proper instruction.

Risks and Complications

• Generally low-risk.
• Potential minor irritation or cough.
• Rare risk of waterborne infections if equipment is not properly sterilized.

Benefits

• Immediate relief through airway humidification.
• Easier breathing and mucus clearance.
• Helps prevent respiratory complications due to dryness.

Recovery

• Minimal recovery required.
• Patients can resume normal activities immediately.
• Follow-up based on underlying condition and healthcare provider's advice.

Alternatives

• Use of saline solution instead of distilled water.
• Humidifiers or steam inhalation.
• Pros and cons depend on specific patient needs and conditions, with nebulized distilled water typically providing immediate and targeted humidification.

Patient Experience

• Comfortable and non-invasive.
• Minimal discomfort, akin to breathing moist air.
• Pain management usually unnecessary, but comfort measures include ensuring proper mask fit and a relaxed setting.