A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse who is performing endotracheal suctioning for a preschool age child. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse requires the charge nurse to intervene?

A. Measure the elixir in a medicine cup before transferring to a syringe:

This option involves measuring the medication using a medicine cup before transferring it to an oral medication syringe. While measuring the medication accurately is important, transferring it from a medicine cup to a syringe introduces an extra step that may increase the risk of spillage or dosage error. It's generally more efficient and accurate to directly draw the medication into the oral syringe.

B. Place the infant supine in a crib prior to administration:

Placing the infant in a supine (lying flat on the back) position in a crib prior to administering oral medication is not recommended, particularly for infants of this age. This position increases the risk of choking or aspiration, as it may cause the medication to flow toward the back of the throat rather than being swallowed properly. It's safer to administer oral medication to infants in an upright or slightly reclined position.

C. Position the syringe to the side of the infant's tongue:

This is the correct choice. Positioning the syringe to the side of the infant's tongue helps facilitate swallowing and reduces the risk of choking or aspiration. Placing the syringe toward the cheek allows the infant to more easily swallow the medication, as it minimizes the chance of the medication flowing toward the back of the throat.

D. Mix the medication with 10 mL of formula:

Mixing medication with formula is not a standard practice for administering oral medication using an oral syringe, particularly without specific instructions from the healthcare provider. Mixing medication with formula may alter the medication's effectiveness and is unnecessary for most oral medications. It's important to administer oral medication directly using an oral syringe to ensure accurate dosing and effectiveness.

A. Cranberry juice

Cranberry juice may be too acidic and could irritate the surgical site. It's best to avoid acidic beverages immediately following a tonsillectomy.

B. Ice-cream

This option is suitable. Ice-cream is cold and soothing, and it can help numb the throat, providing relief from discomfort after a tonsillectomy. However, it's essential to ensure that the ice-cream is not too cold to avoid causing discomfort.

C. Hot tea

Hot tea is not recommended immediately following a tonsillectomy. Hot liquids can irritate the surgical site and may cause discomfort. It's best to avoid hot beverages until the throat has had time to heal.

D. Italian ice

Italian ice is a frozen dessert similar to a slushy, and it can be a suitable option after a tonsillectomy. Like ice-cream, Italian ice is cold and can help numb the throat, providing relief from discomfort.