What is the first step in assembling an inhaler?

The first step in assembling an inhaler is to shake the medicine. Shaking the inhaler is crucial because it ensures that the medication is well mixed and evenly distributed within the canister. This helps to achieve the correct dosage when the inhaler is used. Proper mixing of the medication is essential for effectively delivering the intended therapeutic effects, particularly in pressurized metered-dose inhalers.

While removing the cap from the mouthpiece, attaching a spacer, or placing the inhaler in the mouth are all important steps in the process of using an inhaler, these steps come after ensuring that the medication is ready for use. Skipping the shaking step could result in receiving an inadequate or uneven dose of medication, which could compromise the effectiveness of the treatment.