What should a nurse advise a patient regarding the timing of taking nystatin troches?

Nystatin troches are designed to treat fungal infections in the mouth and throat, and their effective absorption relies on the way they are administered. The correct advice for patients regarding the use of nystatin troches is to allow them to dissolve slowly in the mouth and not to chew them. This method ensures that the medication thoroughly coats the affected areas, maximizing its antifungal effects and allowing for proper local treatment.

Dissolving the troche allows for gradual release of the medication, ensuring prolonged contact with the mucosal surfaces where the fungus may be present. Chewing the troche would reduce the surface area in contact with the lesions and could hinder the effectiveness of the treatment, preventing adequate local absorption.

Understanding the correct administration of nystatin troches is crucial for achieving the desired therapeutic outcome and helping the patient effectively manage their fungal infection.