Before shaking the metered-dose inhaler, which action should you perform?

Before shaking the metered-dose inhaler, which action should you perform?

• A. Remove cap
• B. Shake
• C. Position container upside down
• D. Tilt head back

Answer: (A)

Removing the cap is the step to do first. The mouthpiece must be exposed so you can shake the inhaler properly and later deliver the dose into your mouth or spacer. The cap protects the mouthpiece from dust and moisture, and leaving it on can block the spray or interfere with how the medication is mixed. After the cap is off, you shake the inhaler to mix the contents, then proceed with the inhalation steps. Tilting the head back or positioning the device in a different way are part of the inhalation process, not pre-shake steps.

Removing the cap is the step to do first. The mouthpiece must be exposed so you can shake the inhaler properly and later deliver the dose into your mouth or spacer. The cap protects the mouthpiece from dust and moisture, and leaving it on can block the spray or interfere with how the medication is mixed. After the cap is off, you shake the inhaler to mix the contents, then proceed with the inhalation steps. Tilting the head back or positioning the device in a different way are part of the inhalation process, not pre-shake steps.