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NCLEX Question of the Day
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The nurse is preparing to administer an oral liquid medication to a 3-year-old child. To ensure medication safety, which action is most important?
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Mix the medication with the child's favorite juice in a bottle.
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Correct answer Use an oral syringe to measure and administer the dose.
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Use a household teaspoon to measure the medication.
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Allow the parent to administer the medication without direct supervision.
Rationale
Using a calibrated oral syringe is the most accurate method for measuring and administering liquid medications, especially for pediatric doses which often require precision. Household spoons vary greatly in size and are inaccurate for medication measurement. Mixing medication with a large volume of liquid (like juice in a bottle) is risky because the child may not consume the entire amount, leading to underdosing. While parental involvement can be encouraged, the nurse remains responsible for ensuring the medication is administered correctly and safely, which includes direct supervision and verification, especially with measurement.
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