Lorraine Poulos

29 Medication Support Supporting use of inhalers 1 2 3 4 Know your client: • Understand related medical conditions • Check care plan for special instructions for handling and cleaning Before the task: • Check medication chart / care plan for administration directions • Attend hand hygiene • Check medication label for correct name and expiry date • Inform client and prepare them for procedure During the task: • Remove the cap, check it is clean • Hold it upright and shake • Prompt the client to breathe deeply in and out, then relax • Position the mouthpiece in the client’s mouth ensuring their mouth encloses it • Ask them to breathe in deeply and slowly • If a spacer is used, they need to inhale 2-3 breaths to ensure full dose delivered • Remove the inhaler / spacer from the mouth and prompt them to exhale slowly through the nose • Wait for 1 minute between repeating dose as per instructions After the task: • Wipe the mouthpiece, replace the cap • Check client is comfortable • Observe for any reactions Document in the Client Journal: • Changes in breathing or sleep patterns • Evidence or reports of anxiety • Difficulty with managing the inhaler delivery 5 Guide for consumers, carers and workers