A nurse is caring for a client who has AIDS. The client states, “My mouth is sore when I eat.” Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

Choice A reason: Disulfiram is an oral medication, not injectable, used to deter alcohol consumption by causing adverse reactions. Monthly injections apply to drugs like naltrexone, not disulfiram, which requires daily oral dosing to maintain its deterrent effect in alcohol use disorder treatment.
Choice B reason: Taking disulfiram before quitting alcohol is incorrect, as it is started post-abstinence to prevent relapse. Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing acetaldehyde buildup if alcohol is consumed, making it effective only in alcohol-free clients to deter drinking.
Choice C reason: Avoiding over-the-counter medications with alcohol is correct, as disulfiram causes severe reactions (nausea, flushing) with alcohol ingestion, including from medications like cough syrups. This reflects understanding of disulfiram’s mechanism, ensuring safety by preventing unintended alcohol exposure.
Choice D reason: Continuing disulfiram for 5 years is not standard, as duration varies per treatment plan. Disulfiram supports early abstinence, not fixed long-term use. This statement misrepresents its role, as therapy length depends on individual recovery needs, not a predetermined timeframe.

Choice A reason: Adding salt to season foods can irritate oral sores in AIDS patients, often caused by candidiasis or herpes. Salt exacerbates pain and delays healing, making this instruction harmful and inappropriate for managing oral discomfort in this population.
Choice B reason: Rinsing with alcohol-based mouthwash worsens oral soreness, as alcohol irritates mucosal lesions common in AIDS. Non-alcohol, antiseptic, or saline rinses are preferred to promote comfort and healing, making this instruction incorrect and potentially painful.
Choice C reason: Eating hot foods can aggravate oral sores, increasing pain and delaying healing in AIDS patients with mucosal damage. Lukewarm or cool foods are better tolerated, making this instruction inappropriate and counterproductive for managing the client’s symptoms.
Choice D reason: Using ice chips numbs the mouth, reducing pain from oral sores during eating for AIDS patients. This non-invasive, soothing intervention is safe and effective, aligning with comfort-focused care for mucosal lesions, making it the correct instruction.