A client with throat cancer receives radiation therapy to the head and neck. Which strategies are appropriate to increase oral intake? Select all that apply.

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Radiation therapy to the head and neck can decrease a client's oral intake due to the development of mucositis (ie, inflammation of the mouth, esophagus, and oropharynx) and xerostomia (ie, dry mouth). These adverse side effects affect speech, taste, and ability to swallow and can have a significant impact on the client's nutritional status. The nurse teaches the client to: Avoid irritants such as spicy, acidic, dry, or crumbly foods; coffee; and alcohol (Option A). Consume supplemental nutritional drinks (eg, Ensure), which are often easier to swallow (Option C). Use artificial saliva to manage xerostomia and the production of thick saliva due to altered salivary gland function (Option E). Sipping water throughout the day is equally effective and less expensive. (Option B) Topical anesthetics (eg, lidocaine) have been found to increase comfort and improve oral intake in clients with mucositis due to radiation therapy. (Option D) Clients on radiation therapy need to maintain more frequent (eg, before and after meals, at bedtime) oral hygiene (eg, using soft toothbrush, rinsing with baking soda solution) due to the drying effects of mucositis. Educational objective: Radiation therapy to the head and neck can cause mucositis (ie, inflammation of the mouth, esophagus, and oropharynx) and xerostomia (ie, dry mouth), leading to decreased nutrition. Care includes avoiding irritants, consuming supplements, using artificial saliva or sipping water, and performing frequent oral hygiene.

A Client with Throat Cancer Receives Radiation Therapy to the Head