Provide a patient education plan for an asthma patient prescribed a metered-dose inhaler.

• A. Demonstrate correct technique, advise spacer, instruct priming, coordinate inhalation with actuation, rinse mouth after use, assess understanding and teach-back opportunities; schedule follow-up.
• B. Do not teach; tell patient to figure it out.
• C. Tell patient to inhale as hard as possible.
• D. Instruct patient to stop using inhaler.

Answer: (A)

Teaching proper inhaler technique and ensuring the patient understands how to use a metered-dose inhaler are essential. Provide a live demonstration of the correct steps, discuss using a spacer if appropriate to improve medication delivery and reduce coordination demands, and explain priming if the device requires it. Make sure the patient can coordinate inhalation with actuation, and remind them to rinse the mouth after use if a corticosteroid is included to prevent oral irritation or thrush. Use teach-back to verify understanding and schedule a follow-up to recheck technique and monitor asthma control and adherence. Skipping education, instructing the patient to inhale as hard as possible, or telling them to stop using the inhaler would jeopardize treatment effectiveness and asthma control.