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Dry powder inhaler inspiratory effort — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModeratePatient Counselling and Pharmaceutical CareDry powder inhaler inspiratory effortGPhC CRA

A patient with severe COPD cannot generate enough inspiratory flow to use a new dry powder inhaler effectively. He repeatedly fails technique checks. What is the most appropriate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Contact the prescriber to consider a device the patient can use reliably

Inhaler choice should match the patient's ability and technique. Dry powder inhalers require sufficient inspiratory effort, which some patients with severe COPD cannot achieve. If technique remains poor despite training, a different device should be considered. Simply repeating unsuitable technique advice risks undertreatment.

Reference: NICE CKS; BNF