Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

Following the administration of controller medication in a pediatric patient, what should the nurse instruct the patient to do?

1. Breathe in deeply and hold the breath

2. Rinse his mouth

3. Rest quietly for a period

4. Take a sip of water immediately

The correct answer is: Rinse his mouth

Instructing the patient to rinse their mouth after taking controller medication is crucial, particularly with inhaled corticosteroids. This action helps to minimize the risk of oral thrush and other side effects such as hoarseness or local irritation that can occur with these medications. Rinsing the mouth thoroughly removes residual medication from the oral cavity, which not only contributes to better oral health but also enhances the overall effectiveness of the treatment by ensuring that the main dose is effectively delivered to the lungs rather than remaining in the mouth. Other options might suggest immediate responses that are not as beneficial in this context. For instance, taking a deep breath and holding it can be relevant during inhalation of medications, but does not directly address the need for oral hygiene post-medication. Resting quietly can be useful for stable patients but does not specifically enhance the outcome of using controller medications. Drinking water might help with hydration, but it does not equate to the preventative nature of rinsing the mouth when using corticosteroids.