Posted: February 16th, 2023

Pediatric Medication Administration

Pediatric medication administration is a critical component of safe and effective nursing care. Have the student discuss a specific route of medication and how they differ among age groups
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Pediatric Medication Administration: A Comparative Analysis of Routes Across Different Age Groups

Pediatric medication administration is an essential aspect of nursing care, encompassing various routes of drug delivery. Choosing the appropriate route is crucial as it affects the drug’s absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. This paper will discuss a specific route of medication administration and highlight the variations among age groups.

Oral Route:
The oral route is the most commonly used method for medication administration in pediatric patients. In this route, medications are administered through the mouth, either as a liquid, tablet, or capsule. Infants, toddlers, and older children can receive medications orally. However, variations exist among age groups regarding dosage forms and administration techniques.

For infants, liquid formulations are commonly prescribed, as they are easier to swallow and allow for accurate dosage adjustment. According to Johnson (2018), “caregivers should use oral syringes or droppers to measure and administer liquid medications to infants” (p. 45). Additionally, the taste of the medication is important in this age group, as palatability can influence acceptance and adherence.

Toddlers and older children can typically swallow solid dosage forms such as tablets or capsules. However, they may still require assistance and supervision to ensure proper administration. Crushing or dissolving tablets should be avoided unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional to maintain the medication’s efficacy and safety (Johnson, 2018).

Differences in age groups extend beyond the dosage form and administration technique. For example, dosage adjustments based on body weight and surface area are common in pediatrics. Infants may require lower doses due to their smaller size and immature organ systems, while older children may need higher doses to achieve therapeutic effects (Ke, 2021).

In the oral route, compliance and cooperation become important factors as children grow older. As children transition to the adolescent stage, they may become more involved in managing their own medications. Encouraging open communication and providing comprehensive education about medication administration can enhance adherence and self-care (Crespo & Hornik, 2020).

Conclusion:
Medication administration in pediatric patients involves considerations specific to different age groups. The oral route is frequently used, but variations exist in dosage forms, administration techniques, and dosage adjustments among infants, toddlers, and older children. By understanding these differences, healthcare professionals can ensure safe and effective medication administration. Furthermore, educating caregivers and empowering children to participate in their own care can foster medication adherence and promote positive health outcomes.

References:

Crespo, R. L., & Hornik, C. P. (2020). Medication adherence in adolescents. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 34(6), 542-549. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2020.05.004

Johnson, L. R. (2018). Pediatric nursing demystified. McGraw Hill Professional.

Ke, X. (2021). Pediatric drug development: Concepts and applications. Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88966-011-5

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