What action is appropriate for a client who develops white oral plaques while on a cephalosporin?

When a client develops white oral plaques while on a cephalosporin, it is indicative of a potential oral fungal infection, such as thrush, which can occur due to an imbalance in the normal oral flora, often exacerbated by antibiotic use.

Contacting the healthcare provider is the appropriate action because the provider can assess the severity of the condition and determine the best course of action, which may include a possible antifungal treatment. This step ensures that the client receives the necessary care and guidance tailored to their specific situation. Stopping the medication immediately could lead to insufficient treatment of the infection the antibiotic was addressing, while continuing the antibiotic without addressing the new symptoms could worsen the fungal infection. Switching to a different antibiotic without consulting a provider might also be inappropriate, as the underlying issue (the development of fungal plaques) still needs to be addressed.

Overall, prompt communication with a healthcare provider allows for the correct management of the situation.