The nurse is instructing a new mother on the method to provide a newly

The nurse is instructing a new mother on the method to provide a newly prescribed medication to her 2-month-old infant. What should the nurse include in this teaching?

1. Mix the medication into the baby’s formula.
2. Use a nipple so the baby can suck the medication.
3. Use a syringe or dropper to provide the medication.
4. Place a small amount of the medication along the side of the baby’s cheek.
5. Prepare twice the amount of medication prescribed because the baby will spit out half of it.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 2, 3, 4

Rationale 1: Never mix medications into foods that are essential, as the infant may associate the food with an unpleasant taste and refuse that food in the future. Never mix medications with formula.

Rationale 2: Oral medications can be provided to a baby with the use of a nipple so that the baby sucks the medication.

Rationale 3: Oral medications can be provided to a baby with a syringe or dropper.

Rationale 4: Oral medications can be provided to a baby by placing a small amount of liquid medication along the inside of the baby’s cheek and waiting for the infant to swallow.

Rationale 5: The mother should never be instructed to provide the baby with twice the amount of medication that is prescribed.