For Albuterol MDI in adults, which dosing instruction is accurate?

• A. Two puffs every 10 minutes
• B. Four puffs every 20 minutes
• C. Eight puffs once
• D. Four puffs every 10 minutes for continued shortness of breath and wheezing

Answer: (D)

When a patient experiences an acute episode of shortness of breath with wheezing, the rescue inhaler is used repeatedly in the early phase to rapidly open the airways and relieve symptoms. The most accurate dosing instruction is to continue using the inhaler at short intervals while symptoms persist, because ongoing bronchodilation helps prevent deterioration and provides quicker relief. This approach is more effective than a single dose or spreading doses too far apart, which can leave symptoms undertreated. In short, repeated, brief-interval use during ongoing symptoms aligns with how best to manage an acute episode with a short-acting beta-agonist.