Skill 11-1 Administering an Oral Medication

PREPARATION

1. Verify concentration, dose, and route as described previously.

2. Measure the medication accurately to ensure that the dose is correct.

3. If the oral medication is liquid (especially if less than 5 mL), it should be measured in

a syringe or calibrated small medicine cup or dropper (Figure 11-1). A specially

designed medication bottle may also be used.

4. If a tablet or pill needs to be crushed, place it in a mortar or between two paper

medicine cups and crush it with a pestle. Once the tablet or pill has been pulverized,

mix the powdered medication with a small amount of flavored substance such as

juice, applesauce, or jelly to disguise any unpleasant flavor.

5. Verify identification of the child to receive the medication.

6. Explain the procedure to the parent. State the name of the drug to be given.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

• Medicine cup, oral syringe, or other device for administering medication

• Pestle and medicine cups

• Medication
 • Mixing medium as needed, such as applesauce

PROCEDURE: Clean Gloves

Infant

1. A syringe or dropper provides the best control.

2. Apply gloves if needed.

3. Place small amounts of liquid along the side of the infant’s mouth. Wait for the infant

to swallow before giving more.

Rationale: This helps to prevent aspiration and maximizes the chance that the infant

will get all the medicine rather than spitting some out.

Alternative method: Have the infant suck the liquid through a nipple.

4. Document administration of the medication and any expected or side effects.

Toddler or Young Child

1. Place the child firmly on your lap or the parent’s lap in a sitting or modified supine

position (Figure 11-2).

2. Apply gloves if needed.

3. Administer the medication slowly with a syringe or small medicine cup.

4. Document administration of the medication and any expected or side effects.