A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is taking acetaminophen to relieve headache pain.

Which of the following conditions in the client's history should the nurse identify as a contraindication?

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 B. Notify the charge nurse about the situation. Informed consent is when a healthcare provider explains a medical treatment to a patient before the patient agrees to it. The patient has the right to know their state of health, the diagnosis, and the treatments available, and to choose any alternative. The nurse is responsible for obtaining consent when initiating care, and reviewing consent before providing the care ordered by another health care professional. If the patient does not understand why the procedure is necessary, the nurse should notify the charge nurse or the physician who ordered the procedure, so that they can provide more information and answer any questions.

The nurse should not ask the client to sign the consent form anyway (A), as this would violate the patient's right to autonomy and self-determination.

The nurse should not remind the client about the specifics of the procedure (C) or explain to the client that the procedure will help treat his diagnosis (D), as these are not within the nurse's scope of practice and may be considered as giving medical advice.