While on day seven of antibiotic therapy, a 7-month-old infant develops oral thrush. Nystatin drops, 2 mL (200,000 units) four times daily, is prescribed by the infant's health care provider (HCP) for the thrush. Which nursing consideration should be implemented when administering this medication?
While on day seven of antibiotic therapy, a 7-month-old infant develops oral thrush. Nystatin drops, 2 mL (200,000 units) four times daily, is prescribed by the infant's health care provider (HCP) for the thrush. Which nursing consideration should be implemented when administering this medication?
A. Administer the medication with water
[6%]
B. Administer this medication through a nipple
[16%]
C. Give the medication with food
[4%]
D. Place 1 mL of the medication in each side of the infant's mouth
[75%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Infectious Disease
Client Need
Test Plan
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Related Topic
Medication Administration
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice D is correct. For nystatin to be effective, the medication should come into contact with the infected area. Nystatin drops are dispensed with a calibrated dropper to allow easier administration in young children. Administering half of the dose into each side of the mouth increases the likelihood the infected area has come into contact with the medication. Specifically, when administering this medication, use the calibrated dropper to place one-half of the dose (i.e., 1 mL (100,000 units)) in each side of the infant's mouth. Additionally, avoid providing oral intake to the infant for a minimum of 5 to 10 minutes following the administration of nystatin.
Choice A is incorrect. Administering this medication with water would decrease the efficacy of the medication. The drug requires sustained contact with the infected area for nystatin to be effective.Administering the medication with water would either dilute the medicine or hinder the ability for sustained contact between the drug and the infected area.
Choice B is incorrect. Administering this medication through a nipple would decrease the efficacy of the nystatin. Nystatin requires sustained contact with the infected area(s) for the medication to be effective. Administering the drug through a nipple would hinder the ability for sustained contact between the drug and the infected regions.
Choice C is incorrect. Nystatin should not be given with food or water. Following the administration of nystatin, avoid providing oral intake to the infant for a minimum of 5 to 10 minutes. The drug requires sustained contact with the infected area for nystatin to be effective. Providing food and/or water during or immediately after nystatin is administered would hinder the therapeutic effects of the medication and decrease the efficacy.
Learning Objective
Recognize the need to place one-half of the ordered dose in each side of the mouth when administering nystatin to an infant client.
