Page 97 - Participant Manual

Skill Sheet 5-1
Assisting with an Asthma Inhaler

Note: The instructions for assisting a person with an asthma inhaler found on this skill sheet
should not be substituted for those given by the manufacturer and the person’s healthcare
provider. Read and follow all instructions printed on the inhaler prior to assisting the person
with administering the medication, and consult the person’s asthma control plan.

1. Help the person to sit up and lean slightly forward to make breathing easier.

2. Verify with the person that the medication is for “quick relief” or “acute attacks.” Also
check the expiration date on the inhaler.

■ If the medication is not for “quick relief” or “acute attacks,” do not use it.

■ If the medication is expired, do not use it.

3. Shake the inhaler.

4. Remove the mouthpiece cover. If the person uses a spacer, attach it to
the mouthpiece.

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5. Ask the person to breathe out as much as possible through the mouth.

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