A nurse is caring for a client who has stomatitis following radiation therapy. Which of the following interventions is appropriate for the nurse to take?

Choice A reason: Acute stress causes an increase in metabolism, as the body activates the sympathetic nervous system and releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase the heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption, and mobilize glucose and fatty acids for energy. The nurse should explain to the clients that acute stress can have beneficial effects, such as enhancing alertness, memory, and performance, but it can also have harmful effects, such as impairing digestion, immunity, and growth.

Choice B reason: Stress causes a negative nitrogen balance in the body, not a positive one. Nitrogen balance is the difference between the amount of nitrogen ingested and the amount of nitrogen excreted. A positive nitrogen balance means that the body is retaining more nitrogen than it is losing, which indicates growth, healing, or pregnancy. A negative nitrogen balance means that the body is losing more nitrogen than it is retaining, which indicates malnutrition, illness, or injury. The nurse should inform the clients that stress can cause a negative nitrogen balance, as the body breaks down protein for energy and loses nitrogen through urine, sweat, and wounds.

Choice C reason: Protein requirements increase in times of stress, not decrease. Protein is essential for tissue repair, immune function, and hormone synthesis. The nurse should advise the clients that stress can increase the protein needs of the body, as the body loses protein through catabolism, inflammation, and infection. The nurse should recommend the clients to consume adequate amounts of high-quality protein, such as eggs, milk, cheese, meat, fish, poultry, soy, and nuts.

Choice D reason: Glucose is broken down more quickly during times of stress, not more slowly. Glucose is the main source of energy for the brain and the muscles. The nurse should educate the clients that stress can increase the glucose levels in the blood, as the body releases glucose from the liver and muscles to provide fuel for the stress response. The nurse should also warn the clients that chronic stress can lead to insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Choice A reason: Abdominal distention is a possible complication of enteral nutrition, as it may indicate gas accumulation, constipation, or intolerance to the formula. However, it is not the greatest risk to the client, as it can be prevented or managed by adjusting the formula, rate, or volume of the feeding, or by administering medications or enemas.

Choice B reason: Fluid overload is a possible complication of enteral nutrition, as it may indicate excessive fluid intake, renal impairment, or heart failure. However, it is not the greatest risk to the client, as it can be prevented or managed by monitoring the fluid balance, electrolytes, and vital signs, or by administering diuretics or fluid restriction.

Choice C reason: Glycosuria is a possible complication of enteral nutrition, as it may indicate hyperglycemia, diabetes, or infection. However, it is not the greatest risk to the client, as it can be prevented or managed by monitoring the blood glucose, urine output, and signs of infection, or by administering insulin or antibiotics.

Choice D reason: Tube obstruction is the greatest risk to the client, as it may indicate clogging, kinking, or twisting of the tube, which can impair the delivery of the nutrition and medication, and cause aspiration, infection, or perforation. Tube obstruction can be prevented by flushing the tube with water before and after each feeding or medication, and by using a syringe or a pump to administer the formula. Tube obstruction can be managed by using warm water, carbonated beverages, or pancreatic enzymes to unclog the tube, or by replacing the tube if necessary.