Question

A nurse is teaching an 80-year-old client how to use a metered dose inhaler. The nurse is concerned that the client is unable to coordinate the release of the medication during the inhalation phase. Which intervention should improve the delivery of the medication?

A
Request a home health nurse to visit the client at home.
B
Ask a family member to assist the client with the inhaler.
C
Add a spacer device to the inhaler canister. Correct Answer (Blank)
D
Use nebulized treatments at home instead.

Answer 1

The best intervention to improve medication delivery for an elderly client struggling to use a metered dose inhaler is to add a spacer device. This allows for easier inhalation without needing to perfectly time the medication release. Nebulizers are more complex and less portable, making spacers the preferred option.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most effective intervention to improve the delivery of medication for an 80-year-old client who has difficulty coordinating the release of medication during inhalation is to add a spacer device to the metered dose inhaler (MDI). A spacer device enhances coordination of inhalation with the activation of an MDI and helps with effective delivery of medication to the lungs.

The use of a spacer can be a simpler method than trying to time the release perfectly, which can be especially challenging for elderly clients with compromised dexterity or coordination. Nebulized treatments are another option, but these are typically used at home for those who cannot use an MDI at all, not just those who struggle with coordination. Nebulizers require a machine and electricity, making them less portable and convenient than inhalers with spacers.

Asking a family member to assist or requesting a home health nurse could provide temporary solutions but wouldn't build the client's self-administration capability. Therefore, integrating a spacer device remains the preferred intervention in this scenario.