A client diagnosed with head and neck cancer has developed mouth sores related to external radiation therapy. The nurse teaches the client to use which of the following oral hygiene practices? Select all that apply.

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Oral mucositis, inflammation or ulceration of the oral mucosa, results from chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Oral hygiene practices that minimize oral mucositis and promote comfort include the following: Cleansing the mouth with normal saline after meals and at bedtime to promote oral health Use of a soft-bristle toothbrush to decrease gum irritation Application of prescribed viscous lidocaine HCl (Xylocaine) to alleviate oral pain Use of water-soluble lubricating agents to moisten mouth tissues that may become dry due to therapy Avoidance of hot liquids and spicy/acidic foods, which can cause oral discomfort (Option E) Clients with mucositis should avoid antiseptic mouthwashes with alcohol as they are irritating to mucous membranes. (Option F) Administration of palifermin (Kepivance), a recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor, prevents oral mucositis in clients diagnosed with hematologic malignancies. However, it does not help with pain. Viscous lidocaine HCl (Xylocaine) alleviates the oral pain caused by mucositis. Educational objective: Measures to minimize oral mucositis from chemoradiotherapy include rinsing the mouth with normal saline, brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush, using a water-soluble lubricating agent, avoidance of hot liquids and spicy/acidic foods, and application of prescribed viscous lidocaine.

A Client Diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer Has Developed