The nurse is preparing to administer activated charcoal to a 4-year-old child who accidentally ingested a family member's heart medication. What should the nurse do to reduce the discomfort from this treatment?

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Activated charcoal absorbs toxic substances that have been swallowed to prevent them from being absorbed by the stomach. The drug is provided as a powder that must be mixed with water, and not milk, and administered orally or through a nasogastric tube. The solution feels gritty and tastes disagreeable, so it may be difficult to swallow. A nasogastric tube will help decrease the child's discomfort when taking the medication. This medication does not require an indwelling urinary catheter or intravenous infusion for fluid replacement.

The Nurse Is Preparing to Administer Activated Charcoal to a 4-Year-Old