When administering nystatin suspension to an infant's gums for a candida infection, what approach should the practical nurse (PN) take?

The correct method for administering nystatin suspension to an infant’s gums involves drawing up the medication in a syringe that the infant can suck. This approach is effective because it ensures that the medication is delivered directly to the specific area where the infection is present—in this case, the gums. Using a syringe allows for precise dosing and helps keep the medication in contact with the affected area longer, increasing its effectiveness in treating the candida infection.

Administering medication in a way that allows the infant to suck is particularly beneficial since it can entice them to take the medication more easily. Infants often accept liquid medications more willingly when they can suck on a syringe, as this mimics feeding behavior and can create a more comfortable experience for the child. Additionally, this method minimizes the risk of aspiration and ensures that the medication is administered safely.

Alternative methods, such as using a medication cup or soaking a cotton swab, may not be as efficient since they do not allow for as targeted or controlled an application of the antifungal agent. Using a nasal spray is entirely inappropriate in this context as it does not address the oral thrush where nystatin is indicated, and could pose risks related to misadministration. This context illustrates why using a syringe that the