An adolescent who is brought to the emergency department (ED) with a fever and persistent lower right quadrant abdominal pain is anxious, fearful, and hyperventilating.
The nurse anticipates the client developing which acid-base imbalance?

Stomatitis refers to the inflammation of the mouth and oral mucosa, which can cause pain and difficulty swallowing. In the context of a client receiving chemotherapy, stomatitis is a common side effect that can occur due to the effects of chemotherapy on rapidly dividing cells, including those in the oral cavity. When a client develops stomatitis, it is important for the practical nurse (PN) to obtain information about the client's ability to swallow during a focused assessment. This is because stomatitis can significantly impact a client's ability to eat and drink comfortably, which can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Assessing the client's ability to swallow helps determine the extent of the issue and guides appropriate interventions and support.

Let's briefly evaluate the other options:

a) Urinary output.
Urinary output is not directly related to stomatitis. Stomatitis primarily affects the oral cavity, and its impact on urinary output is minimal or nonexistent. While monitoring urinary output is important for assessing hydration status, it is not the priority in this situation.

c) Frequency of bowel movements.
The frequency of bowel movements is unrelated to stomatitis. Stomatitis primarily affects the mouth, and its presence does not directly influence bowel movements. Assessing bowel movements may be relevant for other concerns, but it is not specifically related to stomatitis.

d) Blood pressure while standing.
Blood pressure while standing, also known as orthostatic blood pressure, is not directly relevant to stomatitis. Stomatitis primarily affects the oral cavity and does not typically have a direct impact on blood pressure. Assessing blood pressure while standing may be appropriate for other health concerns, such as orthostatic hypotension, but it is not the priority in this situation.

In summary, when a client receiving chemotherapy develops stomatitis, the practical nurse should focus on assessing the client's ability to swallow as it directly relates to the impact of stomatitis on the client's nutrition and hydration.

Choice A rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Antihypertensive drugs typically work by reducing blood pressure through various mechanisms, such as dilating blood vessels, reducing blood volume, or affecting the heart's workload. They do not increase blood flow to the heart and kidneys.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct answer. Antihypertensive drugs work by affecting different aspects of the cardiovascular system, such as reducing blood vessel constriction (vasodilation), decreasing blood volume, or slowing the heart rate. By affecting these components, they can lower blood pressure.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Antihypertensive drugs can interact with other medications or supplements, potentially causing adverse effects or drug interactions. It's essential for the client to inform their healthcare provider of all medications and supplements they are taking to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Antihypertensive drugs do not cure hypertension but help control it. Clients need to understand that they will likely need to take these medications long-term to manage their blood pressure effectively.