Final answer:
To alleviate the metallic taste in the mouth for clients undergoing radiation therapy, a nurse should offer citrus fruits, suggest pickles, and rinse silverware. Using non-alcohol-based mouthwash may also help. Smaller, frequent meals are generally recommended over three large meals.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse caring for a client receiving radiation therapy should consider interventions that can help with the common side effect of a metallic taste in the mouth. Here are the actions the nurse should take in response to the client's complaint:
- Offer foods and beverages that can enhance the taste of food, such as citrus fruits, which can help by stimulating the taste buds and improving the taste of food.
- Suggest snack options that can stimulate the taste buds, such as pickles, since their strong flavor can counteract the metallic taste.
- Encourage practices that can remove any residual metallic particles, by rinsing silverware or using plastic utensils.
Gargling with mouthwash could help cleanse the mouth and potentially alleviate the metallic taste if it is related to oral hygiene or bacterial growth, but it is crucial to use a non-alcohol-based mouthwash that will not dry out the mouth. Special mouthwashes are available to reduce dry mouth and should be used as directed. Lastly, the suggestion to provide three large meals daily is not usually recommended, as smaller, frequent meals are often more manageable for clients experiencing side effects from radiation therapy.