The nurse is teaching a toddler's mother strategies for administering prescribed oral antibiotics. Which strategies will be discussed?

Question

1. Mix unpleasant-tasting medications in appetizing food such as jam or syrup.
2. Ask the pharmacist to put the medication into sweet syrup, if possible.
3. Physically comfort or praise the toddler following medication administration.
4. Put any liquid medication into the toddler's milk bottle to ensure it will be completely consumed.
5. Give the child a detailed explanation regarding the need for the medication.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: Mixing unpleasant-tasting medications in appetizing foods may disguise the taste.
Rationale 2: Many pediatric medications are formulated for sweet syrups.
Rationale 3: Physical comfort and praise is important when administering medications to this age group.
Rationale 4: It is recommended to avoid placing medication in healthy foods such as milk, orange juice, or cereal because children may associate these healthy foods with an unpleasant taste in the future.
Rationale 5: Giving long, detailed explanations will prolong the procedure and add to the child's anxiety.
Global Rationale: Mixing unpleasant-tasting medications in appetizing foods may disguise the taste. Many pediatric medications are formulated for sweet syrups. Physical comfort and praise is important when administering medications to this age group. It is recommended to avoid placing medication in healthy foods such as milk, orange juice, or cereal because children may associate these healthy foods with an unpleasant taste in the future. Giving long, detailed explanations will prolong the procedure and add to the child's anxiety.