A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who has asthma and a new prescription for a metered-dose inhaler.
Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A.
“I should clean the cap of the inhaler once per week.”.
B.
“I should inhale the medication quickly”.
C.
“I should shake the inhaler before I use it.”.
D.
“I should wait 15 seconds between puffs.”.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. “I should shake the inhaler before I use it.”
Explanation:
When using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) for asthma, proper technique is crucial for effective medication delivery and management of asthma symptoms. Let’s break down the options:
A. “I should clean the cap of the inhaler once per week.”
This statement is not accurate. The cap of the inhaler should be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of medication residue, but it is not necessary to wait a week. The proper practice is to clean the mouthpiece and cap at least once a week, and more often if medication residue is visible.
B. “I should inhale the medication quickly.”
This is incorrect. For effective delivery of medication with an MDI, you should inhale slowly and deeply. A quick inhalation can result in less medication reaching the lungs and more being deposited in the mouth or throat.
C. “I should shake the inhaler before I use it.”
This is correct. Shaking the inhaler before use is important because it ensures that the medication is properly mixed. Many inhalers contain a suspension of medication in a propellant, and shaking helps to evenly distribute the medication within the inhaler, leading to more consistent dosing.
D. “I should wait 15 seconds between puffs.”
This statement is not accurate. The recommended wait time between puffs is usually 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the specific inhaler and medication prescribed. Waiting 15 seconds is generally too short and might not allow for optimal medication effect or the appropriate preparation of the inhaler for the next dose.
To summarize, shaking the inhaler before use ensures that the medication is well-mixed and ready for proper administration, which is why option C reflects an understanding of proper inhaler technique.