Question

You are attending to a 24-year-old male asthmatic complaining of shortness of breath and wheezing. There are several bystanders in a crowded room. The patient tells you that he would have taken his own albuterol but he was so embarrassed and upset that he could not hold his MDI steady. In helping the patient to self administer his medication in accordance with local protocols, you are:

A. performing peer-assisted medication administration.
B. performing patient-assisted medication administration.
C. working outside your scope of practice and should administer your own MDI to the patient.
D. working outside your scope of practice as this sort of administration may only be done under the direct order of your medical control.

Answer 1

Assisting a patient in the self-administration of an albuterol inhaler, as per local protocols, is considered patient-assisted medication administration. This practice is integral in managing asthma symptoms and attacks, ensuring the patient gets relief from coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness, with immediate action required for severe attacks.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the information provided, when assisting a patient to self-administer medication such as an albuterol inhaler in a way that follows local protocols, you are performing patient-assisted medication administration. This helps ensure that the patient receives their medication properly while also respecting their autonomy.

The use of an albuterol inhaler is a common and effective treatment for the symptoms of an asthma attack, which can include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness in the chest. In severe cases, such as when difficulty breathing leads to cyanotic lips or face, professional medical attention should be sought immediately.

Overall, it's essential to understand the condition, frequency of attacks, and triggers to determine the appropriate medication. Asthma can usually be controlled with medicine, either through short-term fast-acting drugs like albuterol for immediate relief or longer-term treatments for more severe cases.