HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

What should the nurse's next action be if a 2-year-old child refuses to take oral medication?

1. Leave the room and return five minutes later and give the medicine

2. Explain to the child that the medicine must be taken now

3. Give the medication to the father and ask him to give it

4. Mix the medication with ice cream or applesauce

The correct answer is: Leave the room and return five minutes later and give the medicine

Leaving the room and returning five minutes later to give the medicine allows the child a moment to regroup and may reduce anxiety associated with taking the medication. Young children can often be unpredictable, and giving them a short break might create a less pressured environment. This approach respects the child's feelings and may lead to a more positive outcome when the nurse returns. Offering the medication after a brief period can also help distract the child, making them more willing to comply. It’s important for nurses to remain calm and patient in such situations since children can pick up on stress or frustration, which might worsen their resistance to taking medication. The alternative options might not be the best approach in this scenario. While explaining the need for medication can be beneficial for understanding, it may not be effective with a child who is already upset. Relying on a parent to administer the medication could create anxiety for the child and might not ensure that the medication is taken properly. Mixing medicine with food could be an acceptable technique, but it must be done cautiously to ensure the full dose is taken and that it is safe to mix with the specific medication.