CEA Nursing Practice Exam

Which agent should a COPD patient rinse their mouth after use to avoid oral candidiasis?

1. Long acting beta agonists

2. Short acting beta agonists

3. Leukotriene inhibitors

4. Inhaled corticosteroids

The correct answer is: Inhaled corticosteroids

Inhaled corticosteroids are commonly used in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to help reduce inflammation in the airways. While these medications can provide significant benefit in controlling symptoms and exacerbations, an important side effect associated with their use is the risk of oral candidiasis, also known as thrush. This fungal infection occurs due to an overgrowth of Candida species in the oral cavity. Rinsing the mouth after using inhaled corticosteroids is a crucial practice for patients to help prevent this side effect. The rinse helps to remove any residual medication that may linger in the mouth and throat, where it could promote fungal growth. This simple act of rinsing can significantly lower the chances of developing oral candidiasis, making it an essential part of the nursing education and patient care plan for individuals with COPD who are prescribed these agents. Other classes of medications, such as long-acting and short-acting beta agonists or leukotriene inhibitors, do not typically have an association with oral candidiasis as a common side effect and therefore do not require the same rinsing protocol.