When administering liquid medication to a crying 6-month-old infant, what is the best way to reduce the risk of aspiration?

Using a needless syringe in the buccal cavity is the best method to administer liquid medication to a crying 6-month-old infant and reduces the risk of aspiration. This technique allows for more control over the placement of the medication, enabling the caregiver to deposit the liquid in the side of the mouth, where it can be swallowed safely.

When medication is placed in the buccal cavity, it promotes natural swallowing reflexes and decreases the likelihood that the infant will cough or gag, which can lead to aspiration. The syringe also allows for a slow administration of the medication, giving the infant time to swallow without overwhelming them with a large amount of liquid at once.

In contrast, using a spoon may not provide precise control and can lead to spillage, increasing the risk that the infant could inhale some of the medication while crying or moving. Administering directly into the throat may provoke a gag reflex, creating a higher risk of aspiration. Giving the medication while the infant is lying flat poses a significant risk as well, as it can allow the liquid to flow back towards the throat and possibly enter the airway, increasing the risk of choking or aspiration.