• 
  

  • Administration of medication to the lungs.

Absolute

• 
  

  • Allergic reaction to medication.

Relative

• 
  

  • Anatomic abnormalities that cause increasing symptoms with treatment.

• 
  

  • Nebulizer and compressor.

  
  

  • Metered-dose inhaler with spacer.

  
  

  • Dry powder inhaler (Figure 16–1).

• 
  

  • Bronchoconstriction secondary to preservative (most solutions are now preservative free).

  
  

  • Tachycardia.

  
  

  • Arrhythmia (supraventricular tachycardia).

  
  

  • Agitation.

  
  

  • Oral candidiasis.

• 
  

  • If used correctly, each method of delivery of inhalation medications is equally effective.

• 
  

  • When using a nebulizer, when mist starts sputtering, tapping on cup allows for aerosolization of remainder of medicine.

  
  

  • Effective administration involves transport of medication to the lower airways.

  
  

  • The medication must be aerosolized and inhaled to facilitate delivery.

  
  

  • Ineffective aerosolization as well as improper technique may result in disposition of medication onto the skin of the face or on the soft palate or posterior pharynx.

  
  

  • In some younger children, the use of a spacer with a mask may allow more effective delivery than a spacer with a mouthpiece.