A nurse is preparing to administer nystatin oral suspension to an infant who has oral candidiasis. Which of the following actions should the nurs take?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Give the dose of medication in the infant's bottle: Placing nystatin in a bottle may result in incomplete dosing, as the infant may not consume the full amount. This method also limits the medication's contact time with the affected mucosa, reducing its effectiveness. B. Educate the caregiver to avoid breastfeeding: Breastfeeding should not be avoided unless the mother has signs of candidiasis on the breast. Instead, both mother and infant should be treated simultaneously if either shows symptoms to prevent reinfection. C. Administer the medication before the infant's feeding: Administering nystatin before feeding may cause the medication to be washed away by milk, decreasing mucosal contact time. It is generally recommended after feeding to ensure prolonged exposure to the mucosa. D. Distribute the medication on the infant's oral mucosa: Applying the suspension directly to the affected areas allows the antifungal to coat the mucosa thoroughly, maximizing effectiveness. It is the preferred method to treat oral candidiasis in infants.