Vital signs are bodily functions that reflect a person's state of health. The five main vital signs are body temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and pain. For infants and young children who cannot swallow tablets or capsules, oral medications are given in liquid form using devices like droppers, syringes, hollow-handle spoons, or cups. It is important to ensure the child swallows the medication and to carefully mix any suspensions.

1. VITAL SIGNS
Bodily functions that reflects the
body’s state of health.

2. Five (5) Vital Signs
Body
temperature
Pulse rate
Respiratory rate
Blood pressure
pain

3. Body
temperature
Respiratory
rate
Pulse rate
Blood pressure
pain

4. Administering
Pediatric Oral
Drugs

5. Infants and young children
who can hardly take
tablets or capsules are
given oral drugs in the
form of liquid.

6. In some cases liquid medicines are not
available, you may crush a tablet and mix it
with a little amount of liquid (full bottle), the
child will not get the entire dose if he is
unable to finish the liquid.

8. Devices Used in Giving Out Pediatric
Oral Drugs
•
•
•
•
Cup- can be used by bigger children
Dropper- usually used for infants
Syringe- usually used for infants
Hollow-handle-spoon - usually used for
toddlers

9. Syringe
Hollowhandle-spoon
Dropper
Cup

10. Safety Key Points in Giving
Medications to Children
• Check the child’s mouth to ensure
that he has swallowed the oral drugs.
• Carefully mix oral drugs that come in
suspension form

11. -END-