A patient comes to the clinic and is diagnosed with a vaginal fungal infection. The nurse provides patient information for self-administration of a vaginal antifungal medication. What will the nurse include in the instructions?

Question

A) "Insert low into the opening of the vagina."
B) "Discontinue use during menstruation."
C) "Remain recumbent for at least 15 minutes after insertion."
D) "Rub the cream into the vaginal wall after insertion."

Answer 1

C
Feedback:
The patient should remain recumbent at least 10 to 15 minutes after the medication is deposited high in the vagina so that leakage will not occur and absorption will take place. The effectiveness of the medication is determined by the consistent application for each specified dose for maximal results. The nurse would instruct the patient to continue the medication during menstruation. Stopping the drug and restarting it later can lead to the development of resistant strains of the drug. The cream need not be rubbed into the vaginal wall as it will coat the wall naturally after insertion.