To enhance the effectiveness of albuterol for a child with asthma, which recommendation is best?

Incorporating a mask with the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and spacer is a highly effective recommendation for enhancing the delivery of albuterol to a child with asthma. A spacer attached to the MDI allows for the aerosolized medication to be more effectively delivered to the lungs, as it increases the inhalation time and reduces the chance of the medication being deposited in the mouth and throat.

Using a mask ensures a proper fit over the child’s nose and mouth, allowing for optimal inhalation of the medication. This is especially important for young children or those who may have difficulty coordinating their breathing with the use of an inhaler. The mask facilitates easier and more effective medication delivery, ensuring that the therapeutic effects of albuterol are maximized.

In contrast, other options, such as removing the spacer, switching to a nebulizer, or holding the spacer at a distance from the lips, would be less effective in promoting optimal drug delivery. For instance, removing the spacer would negate its advantages in medication delivery, while maintaining a minimum distance from the lips could lead to inadequate aerosol deposition in the lungs. Therefore, utilizing a mask with the MDI and spacer stands out as a method to enhance medication delivery in this scenario.