Which statement about the safety and efficacy of medications in children is accurate?

a) Encouraging self-application is beneficial in some cases, but it is not always appropriate. The nurse must ensure the medication is applied correctly and safely, especially if the patient has mobility or cognitive impairments.

b) Wearing treatment gloves is important when handling certain medications, but it is not required for all topical applications. Some medications, such as nitroglycerin ointment, require gloves to prevent nurse exposure, but others do not.

c) Changing gloves between skin preparation and medication application is not a universal requirement. In most cases, the same pair of gloves can be used unless contamination occurs.

d) Performing effective hand hygiene before and after applying the medication is the most essential action to prevent infection and cross-contamination.

a) The safest action is to consult the pharmacist to determine if the chewable tablet can be crushed without affecting its efficacy or safety. Some chewable tablets must be chewed for proper absorption, while others may be safely crushed.

b) Crushing the tablet without verifying its safety could alter the drug's effectiveness or cause adverse effects, so it should not be done without confirmation.

c) Insisting that the tablet be chewed disregards the child’s potential difficulty with chewing, which may lead to refusal or improper administration.

d) Requesting a liquid form could be an alternative, but it is not the immediate next step. Some medications may not be available in liquid form, so checking with the pharmacist first is the appropriate action.