What technique should be used when administering inhalation medications?

Using a spacer to enhance the dosage is the most effective technique when administering inhalation medications. A spacer is a device that attaches to an inhaler and allows for a greater amount of medication to be delivered to the lungs. It helps to slow down the aerosolized medication, giving the patient more time to inhale deeply and effectively. This is especially beneficial for individuals who may struggle with coordinating their breath with the act of pressing the inhaler.

Spacers can also reduce the risk of side effects that occur when medication settles in the mouth and throat, thereby improving the medication's delivery to the lower airways. This technique ensures that a larger proportion of the medication reaches the lungs, which is critical for the effectiveness of inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids used in managing respiratory conditions.