To prevent fungal infections of the mouth and throat, the nurse should teach clients on inhaled steroids to:

It is sufficient to rinse the plastic holders with warm water at least once per day. It is important to rinse the mouth after each use to minimize the risk of fungal infections by reducing the droplets of the glucocorticoid left in the oral cavity. Antacids act by neutralizing or reducing gastric acid, thus decreasing the pH of the stomach. 'Neutralizing' the oral mucosa prior to inhalation of a steroid inhaler does not minimize the risk of fungal infections. Rinsing prior to the use of the glucocorticoid will not eliminate the droplets left on the oral mucous membranes following the use of the inhaler.