Question

A nurse is creating a plan of care for a client who has mucositis following head and neck radiation therapy to treat cancer. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

A) Encourage the use of alcohol-based mouthwashes.
B) Administer spicy foods to stimulate saliva production.
C) Provide ice chips for oral intake.
D) Encourage the use of firm-bristled toothbrushes.

Answer 1

The appropriate intervention for a client with mucositis following radiation therapy is to provide ice chips for oral intake. This helps soothe the inflammation and keeps oral tissues hydrated without causing further irritation.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse creating a plan of care for a client with mucositis caused by head and neck radiation should focus on interventions that promote oral healing and prevent further irritation. One effective intervention is C) Provide ice chips for oral intake. Ice chips can help to soothe the oral mucosa, provide hydration, and reduce inflammation without causing further damage to sensitive tissues.

It is important to avoid the use of alcohol-based mouthwashes because alcohol can exacerbate oral mucositis by further irritating damaged mucosal tissues. Similarly, spicy foods should not be administered, as they can also irritate the mucosa and cause discomfort. Furthermore, encouraging the use of firm-bristled toothbrushes is not advisable, as these can cause mechanical trauma to the already sensitive oral tissues.

Special mouthwashes formulated to reduce dry mouth and support oral health without alcohol can be beneficial. It's also advised to steer clear of salty, preserved, and pickled foods that may aggravate mucositis and avoid anything that can promote bacterial infections in the mouth.