Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

When administering liquid medication to an infant, how should the nurse position the infant?

1. Administer while the infant is supine.

2. Give the medication at the side of the infant's mouth.

3. Add the medication to a full bottle of formula.

4. Hold the nares closed while administering.

The correct answer is: Give the medication at the side of the infant's mouth.

The correct approach when administering liquid medication to an infant is to give the medication at the side of the infant's mouth. This method allows for a more controlled administration and encourages the infant to swallow the medication more easily. By positioning the syringe or dropper at the side of the mouth, rather than directly in the center, the nurse reduces the risk of the infant gagging or spitting out the medication, which can happen if it is administered too forcefully or in a less comfortable manner. This practice also allows for the natural sucking reflex of the infant to be utilized, making the process smoother and less stressful for both the caregiver and the infant. Administering while the infant is supine could pose a risk of aspiration, as the infant may not be able to swallow effectively in this position. Adding medication to a full bottle of formula can lead to difficulties in ensuring the infant consumes the entire dosage, and it may also alter the infant's feeding behavior. Holding the nares closed is not a recommended practice, as it may cause distress and could lead to respiratory complications during administration of the medication. Thus, positioning the syringe or dropper at the side of the infant's mouth is the most effective and safe method for administering liquid medications.