Dietetic Technician Practice Test

Which of the following impacts nutritional status due to mucositis and xerostomia caused by chemotherapy?

1. Weight loss can occur due to nausea

2. Food intake is reduced due to constipation

3. Anorexia and weight loss occur due to mouth pain

4. Weight loss can occur due to fluid overload

The correct answer is: Anorexia and weight loss occur due to mouth pain

Mucositis and xerostomia are common side effects of chemotherapy that can severely impact a patient's ability to eat and maintain their nutritional status. Mucositis refers to the inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes in the mouth, which can lead to significant pain during eating. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, further complicates the situation by making it difficult to chew and swallow food. When patients experience mouth pain from these conditions, they may develop anorexia or a loss of appetite. As a result, their food intake decreases, leading to unintended weight loss. This is a direct consequence of the pain and discomfort associated with mucositis and xerostomia, making it challenging for patients to consume adequate nutrition. In contrast, while nausea and constipation can also affect eating behavior, the specific context of mucositis and xerostomia highlights the pain aspect that directly influences food intake and leads to weight loss. Other factors like fluid overload typically are not a direct result of these oral conditions and may not significantly impact weight loss in the same way that mouth pain would.