A hospitalized patient with cancer is receiving chemotherapy and reports oral pain. Inspection of the patient's oral mucosa reveals erythema and inflammation without denudation or ulceration. The nurse understands that:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patients with mild stomatitis can use a mouthwash with a local anesthetic to control pain. Chemotherapy does not have to be stopped until the pain or ulceration is severe. Antifungal agents may be used to treat C. albicans; this patient does not exhibit signs of that infection. Systemic opioids may be used when pain becomes severe.

A Hospitalized Patient with Cancer Is Receiving Chemotherapy and Reports