Which technique is recommended to engage a 3-year-old child in taking liquid iron medication?

Using a colorful straw is an effective technique for engaging a 3-year-old child in taking liquid iron medication. Young children often respond positively to visual stimuli, and a colorful straw makes the process more fun and appealing. It can encourage the child to drink the medication more willingly, as it adds an element of playfulness to the experience. The child can focus on the colorful aspect of the straw, which distracts them from the taste of the medication and potentially makes it feel less like a chore.

Other methods, such as mixing the medication in water, may not be effective because they can dilute the flavor or texture of the medication, which might lead to an unpleasant experience. Administering the medication with an oral syringe, while practical, lacks the engaging aspect that a straw offers and may be intimidating for some young children. Requesting enteric-coated tablets from the pharmacy is generally not suitable for a 3-year-old, as they are usually not designed to be taken by younger children due to safety and dosage issues. Choosing a method that combines medication administration with an engaging activity, like using a straw, is crucial for positive medication adherence in young children.