When administering tiotropium bromide inhalation capsules to a client with asthma, what should the nurse ensure the client does after inhaling the medication?

Holding the breath for at least 10 seconds after inhaling tiotropium bromide is important because it allows for maximum absorption of the medication in the lungs. This prolonged breath-holding helps ensure that the medication reaches the alveoli where it can exert its therapeutic effects more effectively. By preventing premature exhalation, the medication has a better chance of fully disseminating within the respiratory tract.

The inhalation process is critical to the effectiveness of aerosolized medications. When the client inhales the medication deeply and holds their breath, it minimizes the amount of medication that could otherwise be exhaled immediately and ensures that the bronchodilator can work effectively to open the airways. This is particularly vital for clients with asthma, as they need optimal bronchodilation to relieve their symptoms.

Other options may provide different approaches to medication administration but do not focus on the critical aspect of breath-holding for proper absorption after inhalation. For instance, using a spacer can be beneficial but is not always necessary for all types of inhalers, and shallow breathing does not optimize drug delivery to the lungs. Monitoring serum potassium levels is more relevant for specific medications rather than the general administration of bronchodilators like tiotropium.