Administration of aerosol pentamidine: a program design

J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 1994 Mar-Apr;5(2):41-8.

Abstract

Aerosol pentamidine (AP) is an FDA-approved prophylaxis against pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in HIV-infected individuals who have a CD4+ lymphocyte count less than 200/mm3, constitutional symptoms, or a previous history of the pneumonia. The University of Washington Medical Center, a 450-bed tertiary care center, established a successful aerosol pentamidine treatment program, providing treatment in its special procedure nit. The authors present an overview of AP and discuss the role of interdisciplinary teamwork, staff training, patient teaching, and the provision of safety measures for patients and healthcare providers.

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy*
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / nursing
  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Aerosols
  • Humans
  • Infection Control
  • Patient Care Planning*
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Pentamidine / therapeutic use*
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / drug therapy*
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / nursing

Substances

  • Aerosols
  • Pentamidine