Question

The nurse developed a plan of care for an adolescent who is receiving chemotherapy for lymphoma and has developed stomatitis. What statement made by the adolescent demonstrates understanding of the education provided from the plan of care?

Answer 1

Answer: the adolescent might say, "I will rinse my mouth every 2-4 hours with baking soda and water."

Explanation:

White patches on the tongue and oral mucosa indicate oral candidiasis and the adolescent should report the presence of this to their physician but should not attempt to remove them. Using a hard bristle toothbrush can cause trauma to the mucous membranes of the mouth and the client should be instructed to use a soft bristle brush. Rinsing the mouth every 2 to 4 hours with a nonirritating solution, such as baking soda and water or normal saline solution helps prevent stomatitis. The client should avoid commercial mouthwashes with alcohol, which may dry out the mucous membranes.