A patient who uses an inhaled glucocorticoid medication reports having a sore tongue. The nurse notes white spots on the patient's tongue and oral mucous membranes. After notifying the provider, the nurse will remind the patient to perform which action?

A. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water after each use.: Inhaled glucocorticoids can leave medication residue in the mouth that promotes fungal growth, leading to oral thrush. Rinsing and spitting after each use helps remove the residue and reduces the risk of infection. B. Consume yogurt daily while using this medication.: Yogurt may support general gut flora but does not prevent oral candidiasis caused by inhaled steroids. It does not address the local effect of medication left on oral surfaces. C. Avoid using a spacer with the inhaled glucocorticoid medication.: Using a spacer actually helps reduce medication deposition in the mouth and lowers the risk of thrush. Avoiding a spacer can increase oral exposure and worsen symptoms. D. Clean the inhaler with hot soapy water after each use.: Cleaning the inhaler is good hygiene, but it does not prevent steroid residue from remaining in the mouth after inhalation. Rinsing the mouth is the key preventive measure for thrush.