An asthma patient is prescribed 2 puffs of inhaler every 6 hours. The inhaler contains a total of 200 puffs. Based on this prescription, for how many full days will the inhaler last?

Appeared in: NORCET 9 Mains - 2025

Explanation

First, calculate the total number of doses the patient will take in a 24-hour period. Since the dose is every 6 hours, the patient takes 24 / 6 = 4 doses per day.
Next, calculate the total number of puffs used per day. The patient takes 2 puffs per dose, so 4 doses/day × 2 puffs/dose = 8 puffs per day.
Finally, divide the total number of puffs in the inhaler (200) by the number of puffs used per day (8) to determine how many days the inhaler will last: 200 puffs / 8 puffs/day = 25 days.

Option A: This would be the correct duration if the patient used 10 puffs per day (200 puffs / 20 days). The prescribed daily usage is 8 puffs.
Option C: This would be the correct duration if the patient used approximately 6.7 puffs per day (200 puffs / 30 days). The prescribed daily usage is 8 puffs.
Option D: This would be the correct duration if the patient used about 13.3 puffs per day (200 puffs / 15 days). The prescribed daily usage is 8 puffs.

Visual 1: Infographic - A step-by-step guide on how to calculate the duration of an inhaler based on prescription details.
Visual 2: Diagram - Illustrating proper inhaler technique with a spacer, highlighting key steps like shaking, exhaling, inhaling slowly, and holding breath.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Medication Dosage Calculation to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Patient education is a key nursing responsibility. Accurately calculating medication duration helps patients manage their prescriptions and avoid running out of essential medication like an asthma inhaler.
Nurses must teach patients to track their doses. For asthma, increased use of a rescue inhaler can indicate worsening control, which requires a follow-up with the healthcare provider.
What if? If the patient reports using the inhaler more frequently than prescribed (e.g., every 4 hours), the nurse must assess the patient's respiratory status and symptom control, as this indicates their asthma is not well-managed and a change in the treatment plan may be needed.

How to Approach the Question

Step 1: Identify the key numbers provided in the question: total puffs in the inhaler (200), puffs per single dose (2), and the frequency of administration (every 6 hours).
Step 2: Calculate the number of doses the patient will take in one full day (24 hours). Divide 24 hours by the frequency interval: 24 ÷ 6 = 4 doses per day.
Step 3: Calculate the total number of puffs used per day. Multiply the number of doses per day by the puffs per dose: 4 doses × 2 puffs = 8 puffs per day.
Step 4: Determine the total duration. Divide the total number of puffs available in the inhaler by the total puffs used per day: 200 ÷ 8 = 25 days.
Step 5: Compare your calculated answer with the given options to select the correct one.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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