A nurse is teaching a child the correct use of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Which statement by the child indicates a need for further teaching?

Appeared in: NORCET 10 Prelims-2026

Explanation

The statement about inhaling for 20 to 30 seconds is incorrect and indicates a significant misunderstanding of the MDI procedure.
The correct duration for inhaling the medication is a slow, deep breath over 3 to 5 seconds.
Inhaling for 20-30 seconds is physically impractical and would result in ineffective medication delivery.
This error confuses the inhalation duration with the recommended waiting time (20-30 seconds) between puffs of the same medication.

Option A: This statement is correct. Shaking the inhaler for 2-5 seconds before use is a crucial step to ensure the medication is mixed with the propellant for a consistent dose.
Option B: This statement is correct. Exhaling fully before inhaling the medication empties the lungs, creating space to take a deep breath and draw the medication deep into the airways.
Option C: This statement, though slightly awkwardly phrased, correctly identifies the proper inhalation duration of 3 to 5 seconds. This is the correct technique for effective medication delivery to the lower airways.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Patient Education on Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI) Use to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Correct MDI technique is critical for managing respiratory conditions like asthma. Improper use leads to poor symptom control and increased risk of exacerbations.
Nurses must use the 'teach-back' method, where the patient demonstrates the procedure, to confirm understanding and correct any errors, especially with pediatric patients.
What if the patient cannot coordinate pressing the canister and inhaling? The nurse should recommend and provide teaching for a spacer device, which simplifies the process and improves drug delivery to the lungs.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the question type. This is a 'negative' question asking you to find the incorrect statement, which signals a 'need for further teaching'.
Recall the standard, correct steps for administering a metered-dose inhaler (MDI).
Mentally review the key timeframes: shaking (2-5 sec), inhaling (3-5 sec), holding breath (10 sec), and waiting between puffs (20-30 sec or more).
Evaluate each option against this standard procedure.
Option A (shaking) is correct. Option B (exhaling) is correct. Option C (3-5 sec inhalation) is correct.
Option D suggests a 20-30 second inhalation, which is incorrect. This identifies it as the answer, as it shows a clear misunderstanding.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Patient Education on Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI) Use
Stem keywords: metered-dose inhaler, MDI, child, teaching, correct use
Lead-in keywords: need for further teaching
Clinical cues: The question asks to identify the incorrect statement, which signifies a misunderstanding by the patient.
Negative lead-in flag: The question requires identifying an incorrect statement, which indicates a need for re-education.

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 p. 193-195

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 2 p. 35-37

Practise the full NORCET 10 Prelims-2026

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.