Certified Respiratory Therapist Practice Exam

When using an MDI with a child, what should be ensured to improve medication delivery?

1. The child is sitting upright

2. The MDI has been shaken well

3. The mask fits snugly over the child's face

4. Medications are at room temperature

The correct answer is: The mask fits snugly over the child's face

Using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) effectively in pediatric patients is crucial for ensuring that the medication reaches the lungs where it is needed. Ensuring that the mask fits snugly over the child's face is vital because a proper seal prevents medication from escaping and ensures optimal delivery. When the mask fits well, aerosolized particles can be inhaled more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of wasting medication and increasing the effectiveness of the treatment provided. While other factors, such as the child’s position (sitting upright), ensuring the MDI is shaken, and the temperature of the medication, are important for overall administration, they do not have the same direct impact on the immediate delivery of medication as the mask fitting snugly does. A snug fit of the mask is essential to minimize the loss of medication to the environment and to ensure that the child receives the appropriate dosage necessary for effective treatment.