The nurse is teaching the patient to use an inhaler what common teaching point is essential
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If you have asthma, you may need to use one or more asthma medications to manage the condition. It is important that you use your asthma inhaler correctly to get the full benefit of the medication you are taking. Show
Most people with asthma, however, do not use the correct technique. What is an asthma inhaler?Most asthma medicines are inhaled through the mouth using an inhaler or puffer. There are several types and the device you use will depend on your age, how your lungs work and which device you find easiest to use. A doctor, pharmacist or nurse should show you how to take your asthma medicine. Some medicines are breathed in directly from the inhaler; others are breathed in through a 'spacer' — you puff the medicine into a container and breathe through a mouthpiece at the other end. This increases the amount of medicine that reaches the small airways of the lungs. Most children over 4 can use a small spacer and puffer. Babies and children under 4 may need a face mask. (The videos below and more can be found on the NPS MedicineWise YouTube page.) Metered dose inhalers (puffers)A puffer, or a metered dose inhaler, is the most common type of inhaler. Using it with a spacer will get more medicine into the lungs. Tips for correct use
Video: how to use a puffer
Video: how to use a puffer with a spacer
AutohalersAn Autohaler is an alternative way to take some asthma medicines. The inhaler is activated by breathing in. Tips for correct use
Video: how to use an Autohaler
Other types of inhaler (dry powder inhalers)There are many other types of inhaler. These include the Accuhaler, Turbuhaler, HandiHaler, Ellipta and Genuair. These inhalers all come with instructions. A doctor or nurse should teach you how to use them. Tips for correct use
Video: how to use an Accuhaler
Video: how to use a Turbuhaler
Video: how to use a HandiHaler
Check list for good usage
Where to get helpThe following organisations have a range of resources, including fact sheets and videos to help you take your asthma medicine properly:
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Unfortunately, this does not apply to asthma patients. It is vital that patients understand what is going on in their bodies. How do you teach someone to use an inhaler?Box 1.. Remove the cap.. Shake the inhaler.. Breathe out gently.. Place mouthpiece between lips.. Actuate the inhaler and breathe in slowly and deeply at a low IFR.. Hold breath for 5-10 seconds then breathe out.. Wait a few seconds then repeat the above process.. Replace inhaler cap.. What teaching would you provide for a patient who needs to use an albuterol inhaler?The inhaler that comes with albuterol aerosol is designed for use only with a canister of albuterol. Never use it to inhale any other medication, and do not use any other inhaler to inhale albuterol. Be careful not to get albuterol inhalation into your eyes.
What actions does the nurse include in teaching a patient to use an inhaler with a spacer?Breathe in Slowly. Put the spacer between your teeth and close your lips tightly around it.. Keep your chin up.. Start breathing in slowly through your mouth.. Spray one puff into the spacer by pressing down on the inhaler.. Keep breathing in slowly. Breathe as deeply as you can.. Why is it important to know how do you use an inhaler?Why your inhaler technique is important. Good inhaler technique, whether that's your preventer or reliever inhaler, helps you to breathe the medicine straight into your lungs, where it's needed. You're less likely to get side effects because the medicine isn't being absorbed into the rest of your body.
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