The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving radiation therapy and experiencing nausea and vomiting. An important nursing intervention is to encourage the client to:

Question

1. Avoid all food and liquid until nausea and/or vomiting stops.
2. Use a commercial mouthwash before eating a meal.
3. Delay intake of meal until 3–4 hours after treatment.
4. Eat spicy or well-seasoned foods instead of bland foods.

Answer 1

3. Delay intake of meal until 3–4 hours after treatment.

Rationale:
Nausea and vomiting are not uncommon in clients receiving radiation, and the client may benefit from delaying meals for a few hours after treatment, allowing the primary effects to subside somewhat. Avoiding all food and liquid could put the client at risk for dehydration. Using a mouthwash and eating spicy foods are not recommended interventions for nausea and vomiting.