A patient with cancer should be educated about possible mouth sores from chemotherapy. What is a recommended management strategy?

Rinsing with a saltwater solution is a recommended management strategy for mouth sores resulting from chemotherapy. This approach helps to keep the mouth clean and can reduce the risk of infections, which is critical as chemotherapy can weaken the immune system. A saltwater rinse can provide soothing effects, promote healing, and help reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with mouth sores.

Utilizing this method can also enhance mucosal hydration and minimize further irritation of the oral mucosa, making it beneficial for patients experiencing oral complications from cancer treatment. It's typically easy to prepare, inexpensive, and gentle, which makes it an accessible option for patients to maintain oral hygiene during treatment.

Other strategies such as avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes or eating spicy foods may aggravate mouth sores rather than alleviate them, and neglecting oral hygiene can lead to further complications, such as infections or additional oral health issues. Therefore, using a saltwater rinse is a prudent and effective management recommendation for patients undergoing chemotherapy.