What action should be taken after exhaling while using an MDI?

The appropriate action to take after exhaling while using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is to depress the canister. This step is crucial as it releases the medication into the airway during the inhalation that follows. By exhaling fully before using the inhaler, the patient creates more space in the lungs, allowing for better absorption of the medication when it is inhaled.

The act of depressing the canister releases a dose of aerosolized medication into the respiratory system, which is intended to be inhaled deeply. This technique maximizes the effectiveness of the medication by ensuring that it reaches the areas of the lungs that require treatment.

While other options may seem plausible, they do not align with the correct method of administration for an MDI. Swallowing the medication is not effective since MDIs release medication intended for inhalation, not ingestion. Removing the inhaler from the mouth prior to taking the next breath would hinder the inhalation of the medication. Taking a sip of water does not facilitate the medication's action and could dilute the effects of the inhaled medication instead of aiding its delivery to the lungs.