Question

You have been instructed by medical control to help a patient who has a metered dose inhaler. What must you ensure before you can begin to help the patient?

A) The patient is not choking
B) The medication is right for the patient
C) The inhaler does not have a leak
D) There is more of the medication in stock at the hospital

Answer 1

Before assisting with a metered dose inhaler, confirm the patient's identity, ensure the medication is correct and the inhaler is functioning, and check for known allergies.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before assisting a patient with a metered dose inhaler, you must ensure several important factors. First, verify the patient's identity and make certain that you are administering the medication to the correct individual. Second, confirm that the medication is appropriate for the patient; the inhaler must contain medicine intended for their specific condition, such as albuterol for asthma. Additionally, ensure that the inhaler is functioning properly without any leaks which could prevent the medication from being delivered effectively. Lastly, check if the patient has any known allergies, particularly to the medication, to avoid any adverse reactions. While the availability of more medication at the hospital may be important, it is not the immediate concern when preparing to administer a dose from a metered dose inhaler.