Final answer:
The correct method to administer bronchodilators to a patient with acute bronchospasm is through a handheld inhaler or a nebulizer if the patient is a child or has difficulties with inhalers. This method provides immediate relief by delivering the medication directly to the lungs.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient with acute bronchospasm is commonly prescribed bronchodilators to relieve symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. The correct method to administer these bronchodilators for immediate relief is generally through a handheld inhaler or for those who have difficulty using an inhaler, particularly young children, a nebulizer may be used. These methods allow the medication to reach the lungs directly and start to take effect almost immediately.
Maintaining a 15 to 30-minute interval between medications may also be advised, especially when different inhaled drugs are prescribed to prevent interactions or side effects. Encouraging a patient to cough can be helpful in conditions like bronchitis, to expel mucus, and promoting spontaneous breathing is always encouraged, but these are not specific methods for administering bronchodilators.