Question

A client receiving chemotherapy for cancer develops sores in the mouth and asks the nurse why this happened. what is the nurse's best response?

Answer 1

When a client is having a chemotherapy for cancer and he or she develops sores in the mouth, and she inquires the nurse why this happened, the nurse's answer would say that it is due to the fact that the cells in the mouth are sensitive to the chemotherapy. The mouths’ epithelial cells, due to their high rate of cell turnover, become more sensitive. This is one of the effects of chemotherapy. In chemotherapy, the healthy cells in the lining of the mouth are also affected. Other side effects that are evident in the patient include soreness and ulceration of the mouth, mouth infections, dry mouth, taste changes, and bleeding gums. Aside from these effects, effects like fatigue, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, blood disorders, sexual and reproductive issues, etc. can also be observed.