Past Articles Create username. Terrence F. Smith, RRT One of our greatest challenges as managers and respiratory therapists is trying to keep up with technology. Recently, there have been several advances in the delivery of aerosolized medications. One of the oldest tools in our treatment arsenal has experienced a quiet transformation over the past few years.
Departments have more choices than ever when it comes to which delivery device to use.
From the standard, small volume nebulizer to the new generation dry powder inhalers, therapists need to know the characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of these devices before they can adequately instruct patients, much less, make informed purchasing decisions. It was not so long ago when all small volume nebulizers were essentially the same. The SVN has been a mainstay of our profession for decades. Sure, there were cosmetic differences, but they were mostly different variations on a common theme. Today, new generations of nebulizers have emerged.