NAECB Inhaler Technique & Delivery Devices

Question 1

When using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) without a spacer, what is the recommended inhalation technique?

Accepted Answer

Slow, deep inhalation over 3–5 seconds

Answer

A slow, deep inhalation over 3–5 seconds allows medication particles to travel deeper into the airways rather than impacting in the oropharynx.

Question 2

What is the primary advantage of using a valved holding chamber (spacer) with a metered-dose inhaler?

Accepted Answer

Reduces the need for hand-breath coordination

Answer

A spacer holds the aerosolized medication cloud so patients do not need to precisely coordinate actuation with inhalation, significantly improving drug delivery.

Question 3

For a dry powder inhaler (DPI), what is the optimal inhalation technique to ensure adequate drug deposition?

Accepted Answer

Fast, forceful inhalation

Answer

DPIs rely on the patient's inspiratory effort to disaggregate the powder; a fast, forceful inhalation generates the turbulence needed to disperse the medication into respirable particles.

Question 4

What is the recommended breath-hold duration after inhaling from a metered-dose inhaler?

Accepted Answer

5–10 seconds

Answer

A breath-hold of 5–10 seconds allows inhaled particles to settle by gravity and diffusion in the airways before exhalation removes them.

Question 5

Which patient population is MOST likely to benefit from a nebulizer rather than a pressurized MDI or DPI for routine asthma therapy?

Accepted Answer

Infants unable to use MDI or DPI devices

Answer

Infants and very young children cannot generate adequate inspiratory flow or cooperate with MDI/DPI technique, making nebulizers the most practical delivery option.

NAECB Exam Practice Test

NAECB Exam Practice Test

NAECB Inhaler Technique & Delivery Devices