Question

The clinic nurse prepares instructions for a chemo who developed stomatitis after the administration of a course of antineoplastic medications. The nurse should provide the client with which instruction?

A. Avoid foods and fluids for the next 12-24 hours
B. Swab the mouth with lemon and glycerin 4x daily
C. Rinse the mouth with a diluted solution of baking soda or saline
D. Brush the teeth with a stiff-bristled toothbrush, and use dental floss TID

Answer 1

For a patient with stomatitis from chemotherapy, the best instruction is to rinse the mouth with a diluted solution of baking soda or saline. Avoiding harsh oral hygiene practices and irritating foods is also recommended.

Step-by-step explanation:

The clinic nurse should advise the chemotherapy patient who developed stomatitis after antineoplastic medications to rinse the mouth with a diluted solution of baking soda or saline. This practice helps maintain oral hygiene without further irritating the sensitive mucosa damaged by chemotherapy. Specific mouthwashes are also formulated to reduce dry mouth and the risk of cavities.

It is important to avoid harsh mouthwashes, stiff-bristled toothbrushes, and excessive use of dental floss, as these can further damage sensitive gum tissue. Instead of avoiding foods and fluids, maintaining proper nutrition and hydration is vital for recovery, although spicy, salty, or acidic foods should be avoided to prevent irritation of the mouth. Lemon, glycerin swabs, and salty foods can exacerbate stomatitis symptoms and should also be avoided.