Pediatric Nursing Q 157
A nurse provides medication instructions to a first-time mother. Which statement made by the mother indicates a need for further instructions?
A. "I should mix the medication in the baby food and give it when I feed the child".
B. "I should administer the oral medication sitting in an upright position and with the head elevated".
C. "I will give my child a toy after giving the medication".
D. "I will offer my child a juice drink after swallowing the medication".
Correct Answer: A. “I should mix the medication in the baby food and give it when I feed the child”.
The nurse would teach the mother to avoid putting medications in foods because it may cause an unpleasant taste to the food, and the child may refuse to accept the same food in the future. Additionally, the child may not consume the entire serving and would not require medication dosage.
Option B: Administering the medication in an upright position and head elevation will prevent the risk of aspiration. Do not squirt medicine directly at the back of the baby’s throat. This may cause the child to choke.
Option C: Offering a toy will provide comfort measures to the child. Praise the child every time he takes the medicine without a struggle. (Giving a special sticker works well for some children.)
Option D: The mother should offer drinks such as juice or a soft drink to lessen the aftertaste of the medication. Some medicines can be put in a small amount of juice or sugar water. Follow the instructions from the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not put medicine in a full bottle or cup in case the infant does not drink very much.