Which device is designed to deliver a specific amount of inhaled medication with each actuation?

• A. Nebulizer
• B. Metered Dose Inhaler
• C. Nasal Cannula
• D. Non-Rebreather

Answer: (B)

A metered-dose inhaler is designed to deliver a specific amount of inhaled medication with each actuation. It uses a canister that releases a pre-measured dose when you press the actuator, so every puff provides the same labeled quantity of drug. This precision is what makes MDIs reliable for consistent dosing, especially when treating conditions like asthma or COPD, where exact amounts per puff matter and timing with inhalation is important (often with a spacer to improve deposition).

In contrast, a nebulizer creates a continuous mist over a period of time, so the actual dose delivered depends on how long you use it and your breathing pattern rather than a fixed amount per actuation. The nasal cannula and non-rebreather are oxygen delivery devices and are not intended to deliver a predetermined inhaled medication dose with each breath.