A nurse assesses a client who is prescribed fluticasone (Flovent) and notes oral lesions. Which action should the nurse take?

A. Start the client on a broad-spectrum antibiotic: Oral lesions from fluticasone are often fungal (e.g., oral candidiasis), not bacterial. Starting antibiotics without identifying the causative agent can worsen fungal infections and is not a first-line or appropriate action. B. Encourage the client to rinse their mouth after administering fluticasone: Fluticasone, an inhaled corticosteroid, can cause oral thrush if residue remains in the mouth. Rinsing the mouth after each use helps remove residual medication and prevent fungal overgrowth. C. Document the finding as a known side effect: While oral lesions are a known side effect, documentation alone does not address the issue or help prevent recurrence. Intervention to reduce further irritation or infection is necessary along with documentation. D. Obtain an oral specimen for culture & sensitivity: A culture may be indicated if the lesions are persistent, worsening, or unresponsive to initial interventions. For early or mild lesions suggestive of candidiasis, encouraging mouth rinsing is the more immediate step.