Question

a nurse is teaching the client about use of a spacer with a metered - dose inhaler (mdi). what instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? select all that apply.
activate the mdi once.
use normal inhalations.
take a slow, deep inhalation.
it is not necessary to hold your breath after using.
the spacer may increase delivery of the mdi medication.

Explanation:

• Activate the MDI once: When using a spacer with MDI, you activate the MDI once per inhalation to ensure proper dosage.
• Use normal inhalations: Using normal inhalations (not forced or abnormal) helps in effective medication delivery with the spacer.
• Take a slow, deep inhalation: A slow, deep inhalation allows the medication from the spacer to be drawn into the lungs effectively.
• It is not necessary to hold your breath after using: This is incorrect. Holding the breath for a few seconds (usually 5 - 10 seconds) after inhalation helps in medication deposition.
• The spacer may increase delivery of the MDI medication: Spacers reduce medication loss in the mouth and throat, thus increasing the amount of medication reaching the lungs.

Answer:

A. Activate the MDI once.
B. Use normal inhalations.
C. Take a slow, deep inhalation.
E. The spacer may increase delivery of the MDI medication.