Skill Drills 16-1 & 16-2: Assisting With Metered-Dose Inhalers and Small-Volume Nebulizers

19 Q&A flashcards covering the critical steps, safety checks, flow rates, and patient instructions for assisting with metered-dose inhalers and small-volume nebulizers according to AAOS Skill Drills 16-1 and 16-2.

What is the very first safety check before assisting with either an MDI or SVN?

Confirm the right medication for the right patient and verify the expiration date.

Why should the EMT ensure a metered-dose inhaler is at room temperature or warmer?

Cold propellant can reduce medication delivery and patient comfort; room-temperature inhalers aerosolize properly.

After removing an oxygen mask, what should the EMT hand to the patient during an MDI assist?

The metered-dose inhaler, along with instructions on breathing technique and lip seal.

During an MDI assist, when should the patient press the inhaler canister?

Immediately at the start of a slow, deep inhalation to coordinate medication delivery with inspiration.

How long should a patient be instructed to hold their breath after an MDI puff?

As long as comfortably possible (ideally 5–10 seconds) to allow medication deposition.

What is the EMT’s next step after the patient has taken an MDI puff and held their breath?

Reapply the patient’s oxygen and allow a few normal breaths before any repeat dose.

Under what condition may a second MDI dose be given?

If medical control orders or local protocol specifically allow an additional puff.

When preparing an SVN, why might the EMT add about 3 mL of sterile saline?

To achieve the optimum fluid volume for effective nebulization of the medication.

What three components must be connected before starting an SVN treatment?

Medication container, nebulizer mouthpiece, and oxygen tubing.

To what should the oxygen tubing be attached for an SVN?

An oxygen tank or regulator.

What flow-rate setting is recommended on the oxygen flowmeter for an SVN?

6 liters per minute.

How should the EMT instruct a patient to breathe during an SVN treatment?

Slow, deep breaths with occasional breath-holds to maximize medication deposition.

Which delivery device (MDI or SVN) typically requires coordinating a press and inhalation?

The metered-dose inhaler (MDI).

Which device can deliver medication continuously over several minutes: MDI or SVN?

Small-volume nebulizer (SVN).

What common patient preparation step is shared by both MDI and SVN assists?

Verifying correct medication, patient, dose, and expiration date before administration.

Why should an EMT remove an oxygen mask before an MDI puff?

To allow an unobstructed airway so the patient can seal lips around the inhaler and inhale medication effectively.

What could happen if the oxygen flowmeter is set too low for an SVN?

Inadequate aerosol generation, leading to poor medication delivery.

What documentation should follow either an MDI or SVN assist?

Time, medication name, dose given, patient response, and any additional doses per protocol or orders.

If an EMT forgets to warm a cold MDI, what immediate adjustment can partially compensate?

Rolling the inhaler between gloved hands for a minute to raise its temperature before use.