A 3-year-old child is to receive an iron preparation orally. The nurse

A 3-year-old child is to receive an iron preparation orally. The nurse should:

1. Use a straw
2. Administer the medication by injection
3. Mix the medication in water
4. Ask the pharmacy to send up a pill for the child to swallow

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Straws may help children swallow pills. If it is a liquid iron preparation, the straw may help the child as they are less able to see the medication and may see drinking from a straw as desirable. The child is to receive the medication orally. The oral route is preferred unless contraindicated. The medication should not be mixed with water as the child may refuse to drink all of the larger mixture, and water does not mask the flavor of the medication. Juice, a soft drink, or a frozen juice bar may be offered after a medication is swallowed. Many 3-year-olds have difficulty swallowing pills, and liquid forms are safer to swallow to avoid aspiration.