The nurse is planning care for an older client with stomatitis caused by chemotherapy medication. Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse identify as a priority for this client?

Question

1. Impaired dentition
2. Risk for fluid volume deficit
3. Imbalanced nutrition
4. Impaired oral mucous membranes

Answer 1

4. Impaired oral mucous membranes

Explanation: 1. Impaired dentition would relate to the client who has some or all teeth missing. This is a possibility if the stomatitis is not adequately and quickly treated.
2. Fluid volume deficit is a definite possibility in the client with stomatitis due to pain when eating and drinking. Careful monitoring of fluid status is required.
3. The client with stomatitis is probably not eating well due to pain. If the nurse addresses the stomatitis correctly, this will work to correct the client's nutritional status.
4. Stomatitis is inflammation of the mouth and usually consists of erosions and ulcerations of the oral mucous membranes, with the potential for secondary infection. The chemotherapy medication can alter the integrity of oral tissue. Impaired Oral Mucous Membrane is an appropriate nursing diagnosis related to the stomatitis.