A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is receiving a PCA pump following a hysterectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indicator of unrelieved pain?

Choice A reason:

"I should gargle with an alcohol-based mouthwash to kill germs”. This statement is not appropriate. Using an alcohol-based mouthwash is not recommended for a client with stomatitis. Alcohol can be irritating to the already inflamed mucous membranes and may worsen the condition. Instead, the client should use a mild, non-alcohol-based mouthwash or rinse as prescribed by the healthcare provider.

Choice B option

"I should limit my intake of dairy products to prevent nausea." This statement is not appropriate. While some clients may experience nausea during radiation therapy, limiting dairy products is not specifically related to stomatitis management. The client should follow any dietary recommendations provided by the healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to address nausea or other dietary concerns.

Choice C option

"I should moisten my lips with lemon-glycerine swabs." This is incorrect because lemon-glycerine swabs can be drying and irritating to the oral mucosa, which may exacerbate stomatitis symptoms. Instead, using a gentle, non-irritating lip balm or petroleum jelly is preferred.

Choice D option

"I should use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean my teeth after meals. “This response indicates an understanding of the teaching because a soft-bristle toothbrush is gentle on the gums and oral tissues, which is important for a client with stomatitis, as it helps to minimize irritation and injury.

The correct answer is D.

Verify the medication three times with the medication administration record. The nurse should follow the six rights of medication administration: right client, right drug, right dose, right route, right time, and right documentation. To ensure the right drug and dose, the nurse should check the medication label against the medication administration record (MAR) three times: before removing the medication from the storage area, before preparing or measuring the medication, and before administering the medication to the client.

The nurse should also use two identifiers (such as name and date of birth) to verify the right client. The nurse should document medication administration after giving the medication, not before, to avoid errors and ensure accuracy. The nurse should administer time-critical medications within 30 minutes before or after the scheduled time, not 60 minutes.