Questions: A nurse is teaching a client who has asthma about how to use an albuterol inhaler. Which of the following actions by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? The client waits 10 min between inhalations. The client holds his breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication. The client exhales as the medication is released from the inhaler. The client takes a quick inhalation while releasing the medication from the inhaler.

The answer is the second one: The client holds his breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication.

Explanation for each option:

1. The client waits 10 min between inhalations.

   • This is incorrect. Typically, the recommended wait time between inhalations of the same medication is about 1 minute. Waiting 10 minutes is unnecessarily long and not in line with standard practice.

2. The client holds his breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication.

   • This is correct. Holding the breath for about 10 seconds after inhaling the medication allows the medication to settle in the lungs and be more effective.

3. The client exhales as the medication is released from the inhaler.

   • This is incorrect. The client should inhale deeply as the medication is released, not exhale. Exhaling would prevent the medication from reaching the lungs.

4. The client takes a quick inhalation while releasing the medication from the inhaler.

   • This is incorrect. The client should take a slow, deep inhalation to ensure the medication is properly delivered to the lungs. A quick inhalation may not allow the medication to be effectively deposited in the airways.

Summary: The correct action indicating an understanding of how to use an albuterol inhaler is holding the breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication. This ensures the medication is properly absorbed in the lungs.