The nurse is preparing to medicate a small child.The medication comes in pill or liquid form,but the liquid preparation has a bitter taste.What is the preferred way to administer the medication under this circumstance?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Children will refuse bitter or distasteful oral preparations.Mix the drug with a small amount (about 1 tsp)of a sweet-tasting substance,such as jam,applesauce,sherbet,ice cream,or fruit puree.Offer the child juice or a flavored ice pop after medication administration.
Liquid forms of medication are safer to swallow to avoid aspiration of small pills.Do not use honey in infants because of the risk of botulism.Do not place medication in an essential food item,such as milk or formula; the child may refuse the food at a later time.

The Nurse Is Preparing to Medicate a Small Child