Basic

I. Initial Assessment

Determine whether breathing difficulty is due to trauma or medical condition.
Administer highest concentration of oxygen as tolerated.

If patient has personal prescribed inhaler, allow the patient to use it (as prescribed).
Contact Medical Control for orders of assistance with prescribed inhaler.
Assure that medication has been prescribed to patient in question, that the medication is to be inhaled, and that the patient is alert enough to use the inhaler.
Check the expiration date.
Shake the inhaler vigorously several times and remove any protective caps.
Remove the oxygen mask from the patient, have the patient exhale deeply, pushing air from the lungs as possible.
Have the patient place the lips around the mouthpiece and inhale slowly and deeply as you depress the hand-held inhaler.
Have patient hold their breath as long as is comfortable so the medication can be absorbed.
Replace oxygen mask.
Record time, date, vital signs, and changes in patient's condition.

Be alert for changes in patient's condition with oxygen therapy and/or inhaler.