Table of Contents
- Inhaler Techniques
- Description
- Demonstration Steps
- Initial Preparation
- Positioning the Inhaler
- Breathing Technique
- Holding Breath
- Post-Use Instructions
- Verification
- Notes
Inhaler Techniques
Description
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Establishes rapport properly and uses communication skills appropriately.
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Explains to the patient that an inhaler device delivers aerosolized bronchodilator medication for inhalation. Name: Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI).
- Purpose: Either used as a symptom reliever “quick acting medication that opens the airways and resolves your symptoms during an attack” or as a preventer “slow acting medication that prevents the symptoms from occurring in the first place”.
- If both types of inhalers are prescribed, advise the patient to use the symptom reliever first.
- Show the patient the inhaler and explain its parts (cap, mouthpiece, plastic holder, canister, with or without spacer). Emphasize the need to revise the expiry date and double-check that the inhaler is not empty prior to use.
- Purpose: Either used as a symptom reliever “quick acting medication that opens the airways and resolves your symptoms during an attack” or as a preventer “slow acting medication that prevents the symptoms from occurring in the first place”.
Demonstration Steps
Initial Preparation
- Demonstrates standing up straight.
- Demonstrates shaking the inhaler.
- Demonstrates removing the cap from the mouthpiece.
Positioning the Inhaler
- Demonstrates holding the inhaler between the index finger and thumb.
- Demonstrates placing the inhaler upright about 3-5 cm in front of the mouth.
Breathing Technique
- Tilt your head back slightly with your chin up.
- Demonstrates breathing out completely.
- Demonstrates putting the mouthpiece in your mouth, breathing in from your mouth as far as you can for 3-5 seconds.
Holding Breath
- Demonstrates closing your mouth and holding your breath for 10 seconds and then breathe out.
- Demonstrates repeating the procedure after 1 minute if relief is insufficient.
Post-Use Instructions
- Re-cap the inhaler.
- Wash your mouth if a steroid inhaler was used.
Verification
- Demonstrates checking the patient understands by asking them to carry out the procedure in front of the candidate.