When using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer, what should you do?

When using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer, what should you do?

• A. Shake the MDI gently before administration via the spacer
• B. Do not shake the MDI at all
• C. Shake the MDI vigorously before administration via the spacer
• D. Spray directly into the mouth without a spacer

Answer: (C)

Shaking the inhaler vigorously before use with a spacer ensures the medication is properly dispersed into the spacer and ready for inhalation. This vigorous shake mixes the propellant with the drug so that each puff delivers the full dose when released into the spacer. The spacer then acts as a reservoir, allowing the patient to inhale more slowly and deeply, which improves how much medicine reaches the lungs and reduces irritation in the mouth and throat. If you shake softly or not at all, the dose can be inconsistent and less effective. Spraying directly into the mouth without a spacer bypasses these benefits and is less efficient for delivering medicine to the lungs.

Shaking the inhaler vigorously before use with a spacer ensures the medication is properly dispersed into the spacer and ready for inhalation. This vigorous shake mixes the propellant with the drug so that each puff delivers the full dose when released into the spacer. The spacer then acts as a reservoir, allowing the patient to inhale more slowly and deeply, which improves how much medicine reaches the lungs and reduces irritation in the mouth and throat. If you shake softly or not at all, the dose can be inconsistent and less effective. Spraying directly into the mouth without a spacer bypasses these benefits and is less efficient for delivering medicine to the lungs.