The nurse has an order to administer a rectal suppository to a 3-month-old child. In addition to lubricating the suppository, which intervention will help assure appropriate administration of the medication?

Choice A reason: Holding the buttocks together for 1-2 minutes after suppository insertion prevents expulsion, ensuring the medication is absorbed in a 3-month-old. This aligns with pediatric medication administration protocols, making it the correct intervention to assure effective delivery of the rectal suppository in this infant. Choice B reason: Pre-warming the suppository is not standard, as it may soften excessively, complicating insertion. Holding the buttocks ensures retention, directly impacting absorption, making this less effective and incorrect compared to the critical step of preventing expulsion in a 3-month-old during suppository administration. Choice C reason: Using the index finger is inappropriate for an infant, as the pinky finger is safer for their small rectum. Holding the buttocks ensures medication retention, making this unsafe and incorrect compared to the prioritized intervention for effective suppository administration in a 3-month-old child. Choice D reason: Placing the child on the abdomen may aid positioning but does not ensure suppository retention like holding the buttocks. Retention is critical for absorption, making this less essential and incorrect compared to the direct intervention of securing the suppository in place post-insertion for the infant.