Before initiation of treatment, nurses must assess and consider the child’s ability to swallow pills.  This is a fundamental skill required before treatment in pill form can start, and before the transition to tablets from liquid. Teaching pill swallowing may require several sessions and the use of placebo capsules or jelly sweets is often helpful.  (6) 

ARV dosages may need frequent adjustment due to age and weight recommendations; nurses can monitor growth and weight to help ensure correct dosages, by working within the multidisciplinary team. Further information on dosing can be found at PENTA (7).