The nurse visits a 80-year-old patient who was discharged after receiving chemotherapy for the treatment of colon cancer. Upon assessment, the nurse found that the patient developed stomatitis. Which of the following should the nurse remind the patient to avoid?- Foods without spices- Juices and drinks that are non-citrus- Soft diet- Gargling with salt water to relieve discomfort
When a patient develops stomatitis, it is essential to provide them with appropriate guidance to manage their symptoms and promote healing
When a patient develops stomatitis, it is essential to provide them with appropriate guidance to manage their symptoms and promote healing. Stomatitis refers to the inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, which can cause discomfort and pain. In this case, the patient developed stomatitis as a result of receiving chemotherapy for colon cancer.
Among the options provided, the nurse should remind the patient to avoid foods without spices, as they can be irritating to the inflamed mucous membranes. A soft diet, consisting of easily chewed and swallowed foods, should be recommended instead. This helps reduce further trauma and discomfort to the affected area.
The patient should also be encouraged to avoid citrus juices and drinks, as they can be acidic and irritate the mouth further. Instead, the nurse may suggest drinking non-citrus juices and drinks that are less likely to exacerbate inflammation.
Lastly, although gargling with salt water is commonly recommended to relieve discomfort related to various oral conditions, it may not be suitable for someone with stomatitis. The salt water can potentially cause further irritation and pain to the inflamed areas. Instead, the nurse may recommend other soothing mouth rinses specifically designed for individuals with stomatitis, or advise the patient to consult their healthcare provider for appropriate recommendations.
In summary, in order to manage stomatitis, it is important for the patient to avoid foods without spices, as well as citrus juices and drinks. Instead, they should follow a soft diet and drink non-citrus options. It is not advisable to gargle with salt water as it may cause further irritation. The nurse should provide these instructions to the patient to help promote healing and alleviate symptoms.
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