The nurse is preparing a medication for a small child.The medication comes in pill or liquid form,but the liquid preparation has a bitter taste.Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

A) Give the pill form.
B) Mix the liquid with honey.
C) Mix the liquid in milk.
D) Mix the liquid in applesauce.

Children will refuse bitter or distasteful oral preparations.Mix the drug with a small amount (about 1 tsp)of a sweet-tasting substance such as jam,applesauce,sherbet,ice cream,or fruit puree.Offer the child juice or a flavored ice pop after medication administration.Liquid forms of medication are safer to swallow to avoid aspiration of small pills.Do not use honey in infants because of the risk for botulism.Do not place medication in an essential food item such as milk or formula;the child may refuse the food at a later time.