Question

A nurse is planning dietary interventions for a client who is prescribed external radiation for laryngeal cancer. The client reports manifestations of stomatitis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

a.Provide meals at room temperature.
b.Offer the client additional seasonings for food.
c.Instruct the client to eat citrus fruits at the beginning of the meal.
d.Encourage the client to drink warm tomato juice in place of high-protein supplements.

Answer 1

A nurse should provide meals at room temperature as a dietary intervention for a client undergoing radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer with stomatitis symptoms to avoid further irritation of sensitive mouth tissues.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse planning dietary interventions for a client undergoing external radiation for laryngeal cancer and experiencing stomatitis should focus on providing meals that are easy on the sore and sensitive tissues affected by this condition. Considering the side effects of radiation therapy, which can include gastrointestinal distress and alterations in taste sensitivity, the following dietary intervention is recommended:

1. Provide meals at room temperature, as hot or cold temperatures can exacerbate the discomfort of stomatitis.

This intervention helps to minimize additional irritation to the already sensitive tissues in the mouth. In contrast, offering extra seasonings, citrus fruits, or warm tomato juice could further irritate the mucosa, leading to more discomfort for the client, and are consequently not suitable recommendations. Furthermore, avoiding foods high in salt and alcohol is also necessary, as these can elevate the risk of certain cancers or worsen side effects. The goal is to support healing and provide comfort during the radiation treatment process.