A nurse is caring for a client who has developed stomatitis during chemotherapy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to provide nutritional support for the client?

Stomatitis, or inflammation of the oral mucosa, is a common and painful complication of chemotherapy that significantly impairs a client's ability to chew and swallow. When the mouth is sore and ulcerated, maintaining adequate caloric and nutritional intake becomes extremely difficult. Providing high-calorie supplemental drinks is the most appropriate nutritional intervention because these beverages deliver concentrated calories and protein without requiring the client to chew, minimizing oral pain and maximizing nutritional intake during a period when eating solid foods is challenging. Spices should be avoided because they can further irritate already inflamed mucosal tissue, worsening discomfort. Commercial mouthwashes containing alcohol should not be used because alcohol is drying and irritating to damaged mucosa; instead, a gentle saline or baking soda rinse is preferred. Avoiding straws is not indicated for stomatitis; in fact, straws can sometimes make drinking easier for clients with oral pain, though care must be taken. The priority nutritional action remains ensuring the client receives adequate calories and protein, and high-calorie supplemental drinks directly address this goal without adding further insult to the inflamed oral cavity. Nurses should also assess the client's weight regularly and collaborate with a registered dietitian to ensure comprehensive nutritional support throughout the course of chemotherapy treatment.