The label on your patient's prescribed metered-dose inhaler reads as follows: "Administer three puffs as needed for shortness of breath." Your protocols state that you can only assist with two puffs. The patient is extremely short of breath. You should:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is experiencing severe shortness of breath and the prescribed dose on the label is three puffs. However, your protocols only allow for assistance with two puffs. Therefore, you must contact medical direction for further orders to ensure the patient receives the appropriate dose of medication. Administering only two puffs may not adequately relieve the patient's shortness of breath, and withholding the medication completely could be detrimental to their condition. It is essential to follow orders and protocols, but in this situation, seeking clarification from medical direction is necessary.

The Label on Your Patient's Prescribed Metered-Dose Inhaler Reads as Follows