Teaching someone to use an inhaler etc

Question 1

How do you initiate the procedure?

Answer 1

1. usual stuff
2. consent - “im going to be teaching you how to use your medication inhaler and a spacer which is a device to make using your inhaler a bit easier and allow you to get the proper dose, is that okay?”
3. do you have any known drug allergies?
4. wash hands
5. check medication expiry date etc against patients drug chart

Question 2

How do you perform the task?

Answer 2

1. remove cap from inhaler and from spacer if there is one
2. shakes inhaler 4-5 times
3. inserts inhaler into spacer
4. explains to patient they need to: breathe out gently, place the mouthpiece of the spacer into their mouth and get a good seal with their lips, press the canister one to release a dose of the drug, take a slow controlled deep breath in and hold for 10-15 seconds OR take 5 slow controlled deep breaths in and out, remove mouthpiece from their mouth and breathe normally
5. inform patient that for a second dose, they should wait about 30s before repeating the process
6. removes inhaler from spacer and replaces caps
7. check patients welfare
8. document procedure in patients notes