Understanding the Process for Patient Education

beige and white skeleton
beige and white skeleton

Your need to know

  • How to conduct a patient education

  • How to administer Inhalor

You will be assessed on your ability to provide effective patient education on self-administration of inhalers.

Note: For this scenario, you must NOT retake the patient’s vital signs.

Inhaler Administration Process

An inhaler with a spacer effectively delivers medication directly to the lungs, reducing the risk of side effects and ensuring more effective treatment. Here's how to use it:

Inhaler Administration Guide

  1. Prepare the Inhaler: Shake the inhaler canister well before each use.

  2. Attach the Spacer: Connect the Spacer to the inhaler if not assembledExhale: Breathe out gently to empty your lungs.

  3. Actuate the Inhaler: Press the inhaler canister to release one puff of medication into the spacer.

  4. Inhale Slowly and Deeply. Place the mouthpiece of the spacer in your mouth and form a tight seal around it with your lips. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth x 6 times.

  5. Repeat if Necessary: If more than one puff is prescribed, wait 30 seconds to 1 minute before taking the next puff. Shake the inhaler again and repeat the steps.

  6. Rinse Mouth: After using corticosteroid inhalers, rinse your mouth with water to reduce the risk of oral thrush.

  7. Clean the Spacer: Regularly clean the spacer per the manufacturer's instructions to prevent the buildup of medication residue.

brown bear plush toy on white bed
brown bear plush toy on white bed

How to carry out the education

  • Clean hands with alcohol hand rub, or wash with soap and water and dry with paper towels following WHO guidelines.

  • Introduces self to person.

  • Seeks consent from a person or carer before educating and administering medication.

  • Check allergies on the chart and confirm with the person in their care; also note the ID wristband(where appropriate).

  • Before administering any prescribed drug, look at the person's prescription chart and correctly check the five rights:

  • Provides a correct explanation of the inhaler being administered.

  • Demonstrate how to administer the inhaler correctly and safely.

  • Acts professionally throughout the procedure following Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses,

girl in blue jacket holding red and silver ring
girl in blue jacket holding red and silver ring
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