What should you do after giving an inhaler to a resident?

After administering an inhaler to a resident, having them breathe in and hold their breath for 5-10 seconds is essential for ensuring the medication reaches deep into the lungs and is effective. This practice allows the medication, which is typically delivered in aerosol form, to settle in the airways and lungs, maximizing its therapeutic effects. Proper inhalation technique helps in enhancing absorption and reducing the amount of medication that is lost during exhalation.

While other options might seem reasonable, they do not provide the same level of benefit to the effectiveness of the inhaled medication. For example, drinking water immediately may not be beneficial directly after inhaling the medication, as it may wash away the medication before it has been sufficiently absorbed. Waiting 30 minutes to administer a second dose is not generally required unless specified by a healthcare provider, and re-shaking the inhaler after administration does not contribute to the intended effect of the already delivered dose.