The nurse teaches a parent how to administer an oral liquid medication to a 2-month-old client. The nurse knows that the parent understands the teaching when the parent does which of the following?

Question

The nurse teaches a parent how to administer an oral liquid medication to a 2-month-old client.  The nurse knows that the parent understands the teaching when the parent does which of the following?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_cb35_e433_b433_9be8de2dc51f_MD0009_00 Using a syringe to measure the medication is the most accurate technique to ensure that the proper amount of medication is being administered. The correct procedure for administering oral medication to an infant is to place small amounts of the medication at the back of the cheek, allowing time for the infant to swallow each amount. This technique decreases the risk for choking and ensures that all the medication is consumed. (Option A) Although cup feeding may be a method used to feed infants in specific cases, medication administration requires a more accurate measurement. A syringe can provide an accurate measurement and decrease the risk of waste due to the infant's spitting or drooling. (Option B) Infants have a decreased gag reflex. Dispensing medication onto the back of the tongue would increase the risk for aspiration of the medication. (Option C) It is very important for the infant to receive the entire dose of the medication. Medication should never be mixed in a bottle of formula as the infant may not consume the entire amount. Educational objective: The extrusion reflex and a decreased gag reflex in infants less than 4 months old increase the risk for choking and aspiration. Instilling the medication using a syringe at the back of the cheek decreases the risk for choking and ensures that the correct amount of medication is consumed.

The Nurse Teaches a Parent How to Administer an Oral