Question

A client who uses a respiratory inhaler asks the nurse to explain how he can know when half his medication is empty so that he can refill his prescription. The nurse should tell the client to:

Shake the inhaler and listen for the contents.
Drop the inhaler in water to see if it floats.
Check for a hissing sound as the inhaler is used.
Press the inhaler and watch for the mist.

Answer 1

The nurse should tell the client to check for a hissing sound as the inhaler is used. This sound indicates that the medication is being expelled from the inhaler and can help the client determine when to refill the prescription.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should tell the client to check for a hissing sound as the inhaler is used.

When using a respiratory inhaler, a hissing sound indicates that the medication is being expelled from the inhaler. This sound is produced by the release of aerosolized medication, which is inhaled into the lungs. By listening for the hissing sound, the client can determine when half of the medication has been used up and it is time to refill the prescription.