The nurse is preparing to administer an oral liquid medication to an 11-month-old child who is fussy and uncooperative. Which action will the nurse take to facilitate giving this medication?

Question

a. Adding honey to the medication to improve the taste
b. Putting the medication in the infant's formula
c. Requesting an injectable form of the medication
d. Using a syringe and allowing the parent to give the medication

Answer 1

ANS: D
When possible, family members or caregivers should be solicited to assist in medication administration. Infants should not receive honey because of the risk of botulism. A syringe allows more control over the amount of medication in the infant's mouth and should be used. Mixing the medication in a bottle requires ensuring that the infant takes the entire bottle in order to get the medication dose. Using an injectable form of medication is more traumatic and should be used only when an oral route is not possible or is contraindicated.