The nurse is instructing a mother how to administer oral nystatin suspension prescribed to treat thrush. What will the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Squirting nystatin into the back of the mouth for swallowing reduces contact with oral mucosa, where Candida albicans causes thrush. Swabbing ensures prolonged antifungal exposure to infected areas, enhancing efficacy. Swallowing is less effective, as it bypasses the site of infection, making this an incorrect administration method. Choice B reason: Mixing nystatin with juice in a bottle dilutes the medication and reduces contact time with oral mucosa, decreasing antifungal efficacy against thrush. Juice sugars may promote yeast growth. Swabbing directly applies nystatin to affected areas, making mixing with juice an incorrect and ineffective administration method. Choice C reason: Swabbing nystatin on the oral mucosa with a sterile applicator ensures direct contact with Candida-infected areas, maximizing antifungal action. This method treats thrush by allowing prolonged exposure to the medication, reducing yeast overgrowth in the infant’s mouth, making it the correct technique for effective administration and infection resolution. Choice D reason: Pouring nystatin into a nipple for sucking reduces contact with oral mucosa, as much of the dose may be swallowed quickly. This decreases antifungal efficacy against thrush, which requires direct mucosal application. Swabbing is preferred, making this an incorrect method for administering nystatin in infants.