The practitioner has ordered a liquid oral antibiotic for a toddler with otitis media.The prescription reads 1 1/2 tsp four times per day.What should the nurse consider in teaching the mother how to give the medicine?
A) A measuring spoon should be used, and the medication must be given every 6 hours.
B) The mother is not able to handle this regimen. Long-acting intramuscular antibiotics should be administered.
C) A hollow-handled medication spoon is advisable, and the medication should be equally spaced while the child is awake.
D) A household teaspoon should be used and the medicine given when the child wakes up, around lunch time, at dinner time, and before bed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A hollow-handled medication spoon allows the mother to measure the correct amount of medication.The order is written for four times a day; every 6 hours dosing is not necessary.There is no indication that the mother is not able to adhere to the medication regimen.She is asking for clarification so she can properly care for her child.Long-acting intramuscular antibiotics are not indicated.Household teaspoons vary greatly and should not be used.

The Practitioner Has Ordered a Liquid Oral Antibiotic for a Toddler