North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

How should an inhaler be prepared before use?

1. Primed with water

2. Shaken before each use

3. Warmed in the hands

4. Rinsed with water

The correct answer is: Shaken before each use

The preparation of an inhaler before use is crucial to ensure that the medication is effectively delivered to the lungs. Shaking the inhaler before each use is important because it helps to mix the medication properly within the canister. Inhalers contain propellants and active ingredients that need to be evenly distributed. When the inhaler is shaken, it ensures that the medication is aerosolized correctly, allowing for optimal dosage and delivery when the user inhales. The other choices do not provide appropriate methods for preparing an inhaler for effective use. Priming with water does not benefit the medication delivery system and can interfere with the formulation. Warming the inhaler in the hands is not generally recommended, as it could alter the medication's properties, depending on the specific formulation. Rinsing with water can also dilute the medication or lead to contamination. Therefore, shaking the inhaler prior to each use is the best practice to ensure the medication is ready for effective administration.