Before using an inhaler, what must be done to ensure proper medication administration?

Shaking the inhaler before use is crucial because it ensures that the medication is properly mixed and aerosolized, which is essential for effective delivery to the lungs. Inhalers often contain propellants that can settle, especially if the device hasn't been used for some time. Shaking helps to ensure that the correct dose of medication is dispensed, providing the patient with the maximum benefit from the treatment.

While checking the expiration date is important for safety, and priming the inhaler may be necessary if it hasn’t been used recently, these actions do not directly ensure that the medication is delivered effectively during use. Collecting necessary documentation is also relevant but pertains more to record-keeping rather than the immediate preparation for administration. Thus, shaking the inhaler is the most essential step right before usage to guarantee that the medication is effectively administered.