Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

Evaluator/Signature: ________________________________________________________ Grade: _____________

PROVIDING STEAM INHALATION

Definition: A treatment which is to provide warm, moist air for the patient to breathe.

Indication:
1. Sanitation (tickling or pain in throat) by moistening mucous membranes
2. Acute or chronic inflammation and congestion of mucous membranes of nose and throat, colds and bronchitis
3. Coughing (relaxes muscles)
4. Dry or thick secretions

Purposes:
1. To relieve swelling, inflammation, congestion and pain in the nose and throat in upper respiratory infections.
2. To stimulate expectoration
3. To reduce dryness of mucous membranes
4. To relieve spasmodic breathing

Equipment:

 Pitcher  Paper cone

 Basin  Bath towel and face towel (patient’s gown)
 Boiling water  Drug ordered
 PERFORMED
ACTION RATIONALE REMARKS
YES NO
1. Check doctor’s order.
The Physician’s order is the legal record of medication orders for each
agency
2. Explain procedure to client. To alley anxiety and foster cooperation

3. Wash hands. Prevents the spread of microorganisms

4. Place boiling water about 1/3 to ½ full in a Boiling water provides moist heat (steam) for inhalation
pitcher.

5. Add ordered medication, if any. Drug may be administered via steam inhalation

6. Bring pitcher on a basin to the bedside. Place For easier flow of work
on a firm surface.

7. Assist client to assume convenient position. To provide comfort to patient

May sit at edge of bed. Provide privacy
PRN.

8. Place paper cone on mouth of pitcher. To facilitate direct inhalation of the steam

9. Place bath towel over client’s chest. Provide To provide a safe distance from the steam. A towel may be provided to
face towel over client’s forehead and eyes as protect client’s eyes if the steam is perceived to be too hot for the client\s
necessary. At about one foot away from the eyes
paper cone, have the client inhale steam.

10. Remove pitcher at the end of prescribed To protect patient from cold air, prevents chilling caused by marked
period. Wipe client’s face and make him change in air temperature. This may counteract the benefits of the
comfortable. Protect from cold air. inhalation.

ACTION RATIONALE PERFORMED REMARKS

 YES NO
11. Wash used article with soap and water To prevent the spread of microorganisms and prepare for the next use.
(except cone). Rinse and dry and return to
proper place. Wash hands.

12. Record client’s response to therapy. For documentation of procedures

Learner’s Reflection: (What did you learn most of the activity? Instructor’s Comments:
What is its impact to you?)

References:
Lynn, P. (2011). Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills: A Nursing Process Approach. 3 rd Edition. Philadelphia: LWW
Smith-Temple, J & Johnson, J.Y. (2006). Nurses’ Guide to Clinical Procedures. 5 th Edition. Philadelphia: LWW.
Hilton, P.A. (2004). Fundamental of Nursin Skills. Philadelphia: Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Mills, E. J. (2004). Nursing Procedures. 4th Edition. Philadephia: LWW