Final answer:
The nurse should provide the child with a spacer to aid in the effective use of the metered dose inhaler. Spacers assist children in inhaling medication without needing perfect timing, and they are a preferred first step before considering alternatives like nebulizers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should provide the child with a spacer to help use the metered dose inhaler more efficiently. Spacers are devices that attach to the inhaler and make it easier to use, especially for children, by holding the medication in place, allowing the child to inhale it gradually and reducing the need for perfect timing between inhalation and activation of the device.
It's important not to discontinue the medication or to consider it unimportant, as asthma requires consistent management to control symptoms effectively. As an alternative for those finding inhalers difficult, nebulizers are a suitable option because they can deliver the same medication in a mist form that can be easily inhaled without the need for coordination. However, the first step should be to try a spacer with the inhaler before moving to a nebulizer.
A nebulizer is an alternative option that can be used for young children or individuals who have difficulty using an inhaler. It delivers the medication in the form of a mist that the child can breathe in.
Discontinuing the medication or informing the parent that the medication is not important are not appropriate actions, as asthma medications are important for controlling symptoms and preventing asthma attacks.