Definition
Administering steam inhalation is a classic nursing intervention used to relieve nasal congestion, sinusitis, bronchitis, and upper respiratory tract irritation. It works by delivering warm, moist air to the airways, which helps loosen mucus, soothe inflamed tissues, and improve breathing.
Purposes
- To relieve the inflammation and congestion of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and paranasal sinuses, thus, to produce symptomatic relief in acute and chronic sinusitis.
- To soften thick tenacious mucus, which helps in its expulsion from the respiratory tract.
- To provide moisture and heat and to prevent dryness of the mucous membranes of the lungs and upper respiratory passages following operation such as tracheostomy.
- To aid in absorption of oxygen.
- To relieve spastic conditions of the larynx and bronchi.
- To provide antiseptic action on the respiratory tract, eg. by using menthol, eucalyptus, and tincture benzoin.
Articles
- Tray containing
- Towel
- Nelson, inhaler in a bowl or electric inhaler
- Sputum cup with antiseptic solution
- Inhaler mouthpiece
- Gauze piece
- Cotton balls
- Ounce glass
- Face towel
- Kidney tray
- Cardiac table
- Pillows
- Medication like tincture benzoin if ordered.
- Boiling water (160°F)
Procedure
| Nursing Action | Rationale |
| Before procedure 1. Check the physician’s order and nursing care plan. 2. Explain the procedure to patient and ensure that patient has emptied his bowel and bladder During procedure 3. Warm the inhaler by pouring a little hot water into the inhaler and emptying it after 1 minute 4. Pour the required amount of inhalant into the inhaler and fill to a level below the spout with boiling water. The water should remain just below the spout. 5. Place sterile mouthpiece and close the inhaler tightly. See that the mouthpiece is in the opposite direction to the spout. 6. cover the mouthpiece with a gauze piece and plug the spout with a cotton ball. 7. place towel around the Inhaler and position it in the bowl. 8. Take it to the patient without losing time. 9.Swith off fan/AC and close windows and doors. 10.Position the patient in high -Fowler’s or sitting position. 11. place the apparatus conveniently in front of the patient on cardiac table with spout opposite to patient. Remove the cotton plug and discard it into the kidney tray. 12. Instruct the patient to place lips on the mouthpiece and take deep breath. After removing the lips from the mouthpiece, breathe out air through nose . In the case of electric inhaler instruct patients to place mouth and nose just above the hood at a distance to prevent scalding and cover the patient over the top to enhance the effectiveness of steam inhaled. 13. Continue the treatment for 15-20 minutes as long as patient gets the vapors. Observe the patient during procedure. 14. Remove inhaler from the patient after the stated time, wipe off perspiration from the patient’s face. 15. Give chest physiotherapy and encourage patient to bring out sputum by coughing. After procedure 16. Instruct the patient to remain in the bed for 1-2 hours. 17. Take articles to the utility room, empty the inhaler, and clean the inside with alcohol to remove tincture benzoin. Wash it with warm soapy water and then rinse with clean water. Clean the ounce glass with alcohol swab followed by soapy water. Remove the gauze covering the mouthpiece and wash the mouthpiece with soap and water and send for autoclaving. Dry the articles and replace them, Wash hands. 18. Record the procedure in nurse’s record with date, time, purpose, and patient’s response to the procedure. | Helps in promoting relaxation. Patient will have to remain in bed hi 1 hour Reduces loss of heat from inhaler during procedure. If the inhaler is filled up to the level of spout there is possibility of drawing water into the mouth when inhaling and cause scalds. If the spout is filled with water, it will not act as an air Inlet. This arrangement keeps the spout away from the patient when inhalation are taken in. Covering the mouthpiece with a gauze piece will prevent burns on the lips. Cotton ball in the spout will prevent escape of steam Insulates the inhaler and prevents heat loss Keeping the spout opposite to the patient reduces the chances of burns, Removing the cotton plug helps to open spout, so that it can act as an air. Directing the steam out through the nostril relieves the congestion of the mucous membranes of the nostril. Helps in effectiveness of the procedure. Enhances comfort of patient. Cleaning of articles avoids contamination and cross infection Communicates to staff about effectiveness and reinforcement of the procedure. |
Special Considerations
- Steam inhalation can be given using a kettle or electric inhaler.
- When a wide-mouthed vessel is used for inhalation, patient’s head and inhaler may be covered using a sheet or blanket to help increase the concentration of steam.
- During inhalation, if patient stops for a while for coughing or expectorating sputum, the spout may be closed with cotton ball to prevent escape of steam.
- Avoid draughts and chills for the patient.
- Put off fans in the patient’s room
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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