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

[RN007]

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

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

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).

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

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.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

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

[RN007]

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