Gentamicin ear drops are prescribed.
How should they be administered?

Choice A rationale

While it’s important to explain to a child why they are receiving medication, simply telling them that it will make them feel better may not be enough to alleviate their fear or anxiety about receiving an injection.

Choice B rationale

Asking the parents to hold the child during an injection can be traumatic for both the child and the parent. It’s generally recommended to have a trained healthcare professional hold the child in a safe and secure manner.

Choice C rationale

Allowing the child to hold a favorite toy can provide comfort and distraction during the injection.

Choice D rationale

While it might seem like a good idea to administer the medication in the child’s room where they feel safe, this can actually make the child associate their safe space with negative experiences.

The correct answer is C. When administering an oral elixir to a 3-month-old infant using an oral medication syringe, the nurse should position the syringe to the side of the infant’s tongue. This prevents the medication from being administered too quickly and reduces the risk of choking.