ASSESSMENT

ANALYSIS

PLANNING

INTERVENTION RATIONALE Independent ^ Assess dental health and ^ To identify oral hygiene periodically. prophylactic treatment needs before initiation of chemotherapy or radiation and provides baseline data of current oral hygiene for future comparison. ^ Discuss with client areas needing improvement and demonstrate methods for good oral care. ^ Initiate/recommendoral hygiene program to include: = Avoidance of commercial mouthwashes, lemon/glycerine swabs = Use of mouthwash made from warm water with salt and baking soda. A dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide may be used for bleeding or infected tissue ^ Products containing alcohol and phenol may exacerbate mucous membrane dryness/irritation. May be soothing to the membranes. Rinsing before meals may improve the clients sense of taste. Rinsing after meals and at bedtime dilutes oral acids and relieves xerostomia.

EVALUATION

^ Encourage fluid intake as individually tolerated.

^ Adequate hydration helps keep mucous membrane moist , preventing drying and cracking. ^ May occur further irritation and dryness of mucous membranes. ^ Early recognition provides opportunity for prompt treatment.

^ Discuss limitation of smoking and alcohol intake.

^ Monitor for and explain to client signs of superinfection.

Interdependent ^ Refer to dentist before initiating chemotherapy or head/neck radiation.

^ Prophylactic examination and repair work before therapy reduce risk of infection. ^ Identifies organism(s) responsible for oral infections and suggests appropriate drug therapy. ^ May be needed to

^ Culture suspicious oral lesions.

^ Administer medications

as indicated.

anesthetize, treat/prevent secondary oral infections, may prevent nausea associated with oral stimulation, and may be requires for acute episodes of moderate to severe oral pain.