A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parent of a child who has a prescription for fluticasone metered-dose inhaler. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "Administer this medication as needed for symptom control." Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term control, not for acute symptom relief. It should be administered on a regular schedule, not as needed. B. "Rinse mouth and gargle with water after each use." Rinsing the mouth helps prevent oral thrush (candidiasis), a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids like fluticasone. It reduces residual medication in the mouth and supports good oral hygiene. C. “Administer this medication before any other inhaled medications.” Fluticasone should be given after bronchodilators, such as albuterol, if both are prescribed. Administering a bronchodilator first opens the airways and allows the corticosteroid to work more effectively. D. "Growth may be accelerated while using this medication?” Inhaled corticosteroids may cause slowed growth in some children with long-term use, though the effect is generally small and outweighed by the benefits of asthma control.