Chapter 8: Safe Administration of Medications

Question 1

What is the preferred med route for children?

Answer 1

Oral

Question 2

If you give oral route, what must you determine in the child?

Answer 2

Their ability to swallow pills

Question 3

Small amounts of liquid meds, use what?

Answer 3

Oral med syringe

Question 4

Large amounts of liquid meds, use what?

Answer 4

Medication cup

Question 5

How do you give an oral med to an infant (position)?

Answer 5

Semireclining position similar to a feeding position

Question 6

How do you give an oral med to a small child (what position)?

Answer 6

Upright to prevent aspiration

Question 7

Where do you put the oral medication when giving to an infant or child?

Answer 7

Administer the medication in the side of the mouth in small amounts

Question 8

How do you promote swallowing in an infant–what can you do?

Answer 8

Stroke the infant under the chin to promote swallowing while holding the cheeks together

Question 9

What are some ways to promote atraumatic care? (5)

Answer 9

1. Mix meds in a small amount of sweet liquid
2. Offer juice, soft drink, or snack after administration
3. Have child pinch nose before, during, and after administration
4. Add flavoring to meds
5. Use a nipple to allow the infant to suck the meds

Question 10

If a child needs an optic ointment, when is it best to administer..like what time?

Answer 10

Right before nap or bedtime

Question 11

Is it okay for otic meds to warm to room temp if they have been in the fridge prior to administration?

Answer 11

Yes

Question 12

Is it okay to massage the outer ear area for a few minute following otic administration?

Answer 12

Yes

Question 13

How do you administer a rectal med to a child?

Answer 13

1. Insert beyond both rectal sphincters
2. Hold the buttocks gently together for 5-10 minutes
3. Halve the med LENGTHWISE if necessary

Question 14

If injecting a medication, do we have to change the needle if it pierced a rubber stopper or vial?

Answer 14

Yes

Question 15

What is the site for ID med?
What syringe is needed? 
What gauge is needed?
What angle do you insert?
Aspirate?

Answer 15

Inside surface of forearm
TB syringe
26-30 gauge needle 
15 degree
NO

Question 16

What are the sites for SQ injection?
How much can you inject..how many mL?
What syringe is needed?
What gauge is needed?
What angle do you insert?
Aspirate?

Answer 16

Lateral aspect of upper arm, abdomen, and anterior thigh
Volumes less than 0.5 mL
1 mL syringe
26-30 gauge needle
90 degree angle. ..if thin child, at 45 degree angle
Check policy for aspiration

Question 17

What gauge is used for IM and what needle size?

Answer 17

Gauge 22-25 gauge with 1/2-1inch needle

Question 18

IM: What is the recommended site for infants and small children?

Answer 18

Vastus lateralis

Question 19

IM: Vastus lateralis
What position for administration?
How much can be injected in infants? children?

Answer 19

Supine, side lying, or sitting position

Up to 0.5 mL for infants and up to 2 mL for children

Question 20

IM: Ventrogluteal
Position?
How much can be injected in infants? children?

Answer 20

Supine, side lying, prone
0.5-1 mL depending on muscle size of infant
Up to 2 mL in children

Question 21

IM: Deltoid
Position?
How much can you inject?

Answer 21

Child sitting or standing

Up to 1 mL

Question 22

What atraumatic care can you provide to the infant for 60 MINUTES prior to injection?

Answer 22

Apply mix of lidocaine and prilocaine to the site

Question 23

What can you give infants while you inject a medication?

Answer 23

Can give a sucrose pacifier to the infant

Question 24

What size gauge for an IV med given peripherally ?

Answer 24

24 ro 20 gauge catheter

Question 25

For short term central venous access devices what catheter do you use?

Answer 25

Nontunneled catheter or peripherally inserted central catheter

Question 26

For long term central venous access devices, what catheter do you use?

Answer 26

Tunneled catheter or implanted infusion ports

Question 27

Should we tell a child the injection will feel like a stick or bee sting?

Answer 27

NO

Question 28

A nurse is preparing to administer the flu vaccine to a toddler. Which of the following is an appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A. Administer SQ to abdomen
B. Use a 20 gauge needle
C. Divide the medication into 2 injections
D. Place the child in the supine position

Answer 28

D

Question 29

A nurse is preparing to administer an IM injection to a child. Which of the following muscle groups is contraindicated?
A. Deltoid
B. Ventrogluteal
C. Vastus lateralis
D. Dorsal gluteal

Answer 29

D

Question 30

A nurse is teaching a parent of an infant about administration of oral meds. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching? (select all that apply)
A. Use a universal dropper for medication administration
B. Ask the pharmacy to add flavoring to the med
C. Add the med to the formula bottle before feeding
D. Use the nipple of the bottle to administer the med
E. Hold the infant in a semireclining position

Answer 30

B, D, E

Question 31

A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a toddler. Which of the following are appropriate actions for the nurse to take? (select all that apply)
A. Identify the toddler by asking the parent
B. Tell the parent to administer the medication
C. Calculate the safe dosage
D. Ask the toddler what toy he wants to hold during administration
E. Offer juice after the medication

Answer 31

C, D, E

Question 32

A nurse is caring for an infant who needs otic medication. Which of the following is an appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A. Hold the infant in an upright position
B. Pull the pinna downward and straight back
C. Hyperextend the infants neck
D. Ensure the medication is cool

Answer 32

B