AANA journal course: update for nurse anesthetists--perioperative therapeutic aerosol administration

The inhalation route is an important approach to contemporary drug delivery. Mastery of this technique, through proper instruction and reevaluation, is essential to provide optimal drug therapy. Aerosol therapy is primarily employed in the perioperative setting to topically anesthetize the upper and lower airways, relieve vascular congestion, treat upper airway inflammation, promote bronchodilation, augment humidity therapy, and foster bronchial secretion mobilization. This AANA Journal course describes: 1. Factors which influence aerosol particle deposition. 2. Selection and use of aerosol generating devices and delivery systems. 3. Techniques of aerosol administration for the upper and lower airways.