Question

A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who has a prescription for a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

a. "Wait for 15 seconds between each puff of the same medication."
b. "Hold your breath for 5 seconds after inhaling the medication."
c. "Take a slow, deep breath lasting 3 to 5 seconds after releasing the medication."
d. "Roll the canister between your hands for 10 to 15 seconds to mix the medication."

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client to "Take a slow, deep breath lasting 3 to 5 seconds after releasing the medication." It is important to inhale the medication deeply into the lungs and hold the breath for a few seconds to ensure effectiveness.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct information that the nurse should include in the discharge teaching for a client who has a prescription for a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is: "Take a slow, deep breath lasting 3 to 5 seconds after releasing the medication." This technique ensures that the medication is properly inhaled deep into the lungs where it can be most effective. The patient should ideally hold their breath for 5 to 10 seconds after inhalation to allow the medication to settle in the lungs.

Other correct instructions not included in the options are: shaking the inhaler before use to mix the medication, exhaling fully before bringing the inhaler to the mouth, and waiting about 30 seconds to 1 minute between puffs if more than one puff is prescribed.