Your patient carries an albuterol MDI,which she claims to use every few weeks.She complains that the first dose actuated from the device seems to have no effect on her bronchospasm.What suggestion would you make to correct the problem?

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Findings suggest discharging a waste dose if 4 hours have elapsed since the last use of an albuterol MDI (or if the device is stored in the valve-down position).The patient has not suggested that the device does not function,only that the initial dose seems to have no effect on her bronchospasm.A new device would likely produce the same result.Although the initial dose may have little or no effect,the practitioner should never change a patient's prescribed dosage without first consulting the physician (unless following a physician-prescribed protocol).A small volume nebulizer is not nearly as portable as an MDI and may cause compliance issues with the patient.Proper instruction would allow the MDI to be used with greater effectiveness.

Your Patient Carries an Albuterol MDI,which She Claims to Use