A nurse is preparing to administer a metered dose inhaler (MDI) medication to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) Ask the client to remain in a side-lying position with the affected ear down for several minutes after instillation:
While this position helps ensure the medication remains in the ear canal, it is not as critical as ensuring the medication is at the correct temperature to avoid discomfort. The client should be informed to remain in this position if recommended by the medication instructions.

B) Pull the client's pinna down and back prior to instillation:
Pulling the pinna down and back is appropriate for children under 3 years of age. For clients over 3 years, the pinna should be pulled up and back to straighten the ear canal for effective delivery of the medication.

C) Press a cotton ball into the client's ear canal after instillation:
Pressing a cotton ball into the ear canal is not generally recommended as it can cause discomfort and potentially prevent the medication from being absorbed properly. It's better to leave the ear open after instillation unless otherwise directed by specific instructions.

D) Warm the medication to room temperature before administration:
Warming the medication to room temperature is an important step because it helps prevent discomfort or dizziness that can occur if the medication is too cold. This action enhances patient comfort and ensures effective administration of the medication.

A) Mix the medication at the client's bedside:
Mixing the medication at the client's bedside is a necessary step in the medication administration process but should be done after ensuring that all safety checks, including allergy checks, have been completed.

B) Document that the medication was administered:
Documentation of medication administration is an important step, but it should only occur after all other steps, including verifying the client's allergies and preparing the medication, have been completed.

C) Determine the client's response to the medication:
Determining the client's response to the medication should be done after administration, not before or during the preparation. This step involves assessing the effectiveness and any adverse effects following medication administration.

D) Check the client for allergies:
Checking the client for allergies is the first and most critical step to prevent potential allergic reactions or adverse effects. It ensures that the medication is safe for the client and prevents harm.

E) Full-screen mode is in effect during your proctored testing:
This statement is not related to the process of administering a medication and does not pertain to the actions required for medication administration.