Nursing Approach to Administer Oral Meds to a 4-Month-Old Infant

What is the most appropriate nursing approach to administer oral meds to a 4-month-old infant?

a) Place the medication in 45ml of formula.
b) Place the medication in an empty nipple and allow the infant to suck.
c) Place the medication in a full bottle of formula.
d) Use a plastic syringe with the infant in a reclining position.

Final answer:

The best way to administer oral medications to a 4-month-old infant is by using a plastic syringe while the infant is reclining, for safe and accurate dosing.

The most appropriate approach to administer oral medications to a 4-month-old infant would be option d) Use a plastic syringe with the infant in a reclining position. This method allows for accurate dosage measurement and ensures the medicine is directed slowly to the side of the cheek, reducing the risk of choking.

It's important to administer only the amount prescribed and not mix the medication with a large volume of milk or formula, as there's no guarantee the infant will consume the entire mixture. For breastfed babies, the American Pediatrics Association suggests that breastfeeding provides infants with natural antibodies and is easier to digest than formula. However, for medicinal purposes, when oral administration via syringe is necessary, breast milk is not always available, so the medication would be given directly.