Stomatitis

During chemotherapy, an oncology client has a nursing diagnosis of impaired oral mucous membrane related to decreased nutrition and immunosuppression secondary to the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy. Which nursing intervention is most likely to decrease the pain of stomatitis? a. Recommending that the client discontinue chemotherapy b. Providing a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water for use as a mouth rinse c. Monitoring the client's platelet and leukocyte counts d. Checking regularly for signs and symptoms of stomatitis

Answer B. To decrease the pain of stomatitis, the nurse should provide a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water for the client to use as a mouth rinse. (Commercially prepared mouthwashes contain alcohol and may cause dryness and irritation of the oral mucosa.) The nurse also may administer viscous lidocaine or systemic analgesics as prescribed. Stomatitis occurs 7 to 10 days after chemotherapy begins; thus, stopping chemotherapy wouldn't be helpful or practical. Instead, the nurse should stay alert for this potential problem to ensure prompt treatment. Monitoring platelet and leukocyte counts may help prevent bleeding and infection but wouldn't decrease pain in this highly susceptible client. Checking for signs and symptoms of stomatitis also wouldn't decrease the pain.

A 35 years old client has been receiving chemotherapy to treat cancer. Which assessment finding suggests that the client has developed stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth)? a. White, cottage cheese-like patches on the tongue b. Yellow tooth discoloration c. Red, open sores on the oral mucosa d. Rust-colored sputum

Answer C. The tissue-destructive effects of cancer chemotherapy typically cause stomatitis, resulting in ulcers on the oral mucosa that appear as red, open sores. White, cottage cheese-like patches on the tongue suggest a candidal infection, another common adverse effect of chemotherapy. Yellow tooth discoloration may result from antibiotic therapy, not cancer chemotherapy. Rust-colored sputum suggests a respiratory disorder, such as pneumonia.

For a client with stomatitis (inflammation of the oral cavity) resulting from chemotherapy for leukemia, the care plan should include which intervention A. inspect the mouth every week for fungus b. encourage foods with neutral or cool temperatures c. give the client spicy foods to stimulate the sense of taste d. perform frequent oral hygiene a commercial alcohol-based mouthwash

b. encourage foods with neutral or cool temperatures

Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for a client with stomatitis a. Drinking hot tea at frequent intervals b. Gargling with antiseptic wash c. Electric toothbrush d. Eating a soft bland diet

d. Eating a soft bland diet