When administering liquid medication to an infant with a dropper, where should the medication ideally be deposited?

When administering liquid medication to an infant using a dropper, the ideal placement for the medication is alongside the tongue. This technique helps ensure that the infant swallows the medication rather than allowing it to escape out of the mouth. Depositing the medication alongside the tongue encourages the infant to swallow, minimizing the risk of aspiration and increasing the likelihood that the medication will be ingested effectively.

Placing the medication in this manner makes it easier for the infant to accept the medication, as it is a natural swallowing reflex. This positioning also prevents the medication from pooling in the back of the throat, where there may be a greater risk of gagging or choking. Furthermore, this method helps in providing a more accurate dosage since the infant is more likely to ingest what is administered without spitting it out.

Understanding this technique is essential for safe medication administration in pediatric patients, particularly when working with vulnerable populations like infants who may not have the ability to communicate discomfort or difficulty swallowing.