Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

When a parent reports difficulty administering an oral antibiotic to their infant, what should the nurse suggest?

1. Mix the medicine with ¼ cup of juice

2. Mix the medicine with 1 teaspoon of honey

3. Mix the medicine with ¼ cup of formula

4. Mix the medicine with 1 teaspoon of applesauce

The correct answer is: Mix the medicine with 1 teaspoon of applesauce

Suggesting to mix the oral antibiotic with 1 teaspoon of applesauce is appropriate for several reasons. First, applesauce is often well-accepted by infants due to its taste and smooth texture, making it easier for the infant to ingest the medication without much resistance. Additionally, mixing the antibiotic with a small amount of applesauce can help mask its potentially unpleasant flavor, increasing the likelihood that the infant will take the entire dose. This suggestion also considers the dosing accuracy, as using a small quantity like a teaspoon of applesauce ensures that the amount of medication remains consistent and doesn't dilute it excessively. The nurse would also educate the parent to ensure that the infant consumes all of the applesauce to receive the full dose of medication. Choosing combinations with juice, honey, or formula may not be ideal. Juice could introduce unwanted sugars and may not fully mask the taste of the antibiotic. Honey is not recommended for infants under one year old due to the risk of botulism. Mixing with formula might disrupt the infant's feeding schedule or lead to confusion about whether the infant is being offered medication or milk. In contrast, the method of combining the antibiotic with applesauce is safe, effective, and tailored to the needs of the infant, making it the advisable option