Management of oral complications

OBJECTIVES: To explore what nurses were doing to prevent or treat oral complications related to cancer and cancer therapies. DATA SOURCES: Review articles, research studies, consensus statements, and data collection. CONCLUSIONS: Different practice patterns exist between physicians and nurses in providing oral care interventions. Nurses initiated less toxic and less costly interventions than those prescribed by physicians. Standard assessment parameters are used infrequently. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oral mucositis can be distressing by interfering with comfort, appetite, communication, and general well-being. Nurses need to initiate appropriate therapy for patient care.