What does a nebulizer do?

• A. Provides a constant flow
• B. Increases the oxygen concentration beyond ambient
• C. Filters air entering the airway
• D. Delivers a metered dose of medication

Answer: (A)

A nebulizer turns a liquid medication into a fine mist that the patient can inhale, delivering a continuous stream of medicated aerosol as long as the device is running. This continuous output is what the choice reflects when describing a nebulizer’s function.

It isn’t primarily a device to raise oxygen concentration above ambient, though it can be used with supplemental oxygen if needed. It also doesn’t filter air entering the airway, which is the job of filters or certain airway devices. And it doesn’t deliver a fixed, metered dose like a metered-dose inhaler; instead, it provides a mist over several minutes, with the total amount delivered dependent on duration and device.