A 3-year-old child arrives with cough and wheezing. What device should the specialist use to deliver a short-acting beta agonist?

In the case of delivering a short-acting beta agonist to a 3-year-old child experiencing cough and wheezing, using a small volume nebulizer is particularly effective because it allows for the medication to be delivered in a fine mist that can be inhaled easily by the child. This method is advantageous for younger patients who may have difficulty using other devices, ensuring they receive the necessary dosage of bronchodilator medication effectively during acute respiratory distress.

The small volume nebulizer is designed to work well with the characteristics of short-acting beta agonists, providing a quick onset of action for rapid relief of wheezing and bronchospasm. Additionally, the nebulizer allows for continuous medication delivery over several minutes, which can help maintain consistent therapeutic levels in the airways.

While other devices, such as a metered dose inhaler, can also deliver beta agonists effectively, they require proper coordination between activation and inhalation, which can be challenging for young children. Thus, small volume nebulizers are especially recommended in pediatric emergency settings for cases like this.