Question re: cleaning MDI inhalers --- SNF practices?

Specialties Geriatric

Published

Do you clean your MDI inhalers before returning them to the med cart? I'm new to LTC but learning a lot fast, mostly by asking questions. When I asked this question, though, I didn't get an answer. State is supposed to survey soon (my first) and I wondered about the inhaler. I know peo who use them at home take out the canister, wash the plastic part and let it air dry. What about in SNFs? TIA! :redbeathe

Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I'm hoping each patient has his or her own gadget, and they aren't shared. In any case, they surely should be washed regularly (although I don't know how often a policy would suggest).

Good luck finding the time to do that. I have 4 or more people getting them at a time. I do clean the masks etc on the nebulizers.

The state has never asked me about MDIs.

never gave it any thought, the routines are only good for about a month....i wouldnt think of disassembling the canister from the holder, perhaps a wipe off on the mouth piece.....remember to date them, since you have to go by # of uses, since you cant do the float test with the new propellant

Found our policy: rinse w/warm water and dry q day.

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