A 35-year-old client has been receiving chemotherapy to treat cancer. Which assessment finding suggests that the client has developed stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth)?
A. Rust-colored sputum
B. Red, open sores on the oral mucosa
C. Yellow tooth discoloration
D. White, cottage cheese–like patches on the tongue
Correct Answer: B. Red, open sores on the oral mucosa
Option B: The tissue-destructive effects of cancer chemotherapy typically cause stomatitis, resulting in ulcers on the oral mucosa that appear as red, open sores.
Option A: Rust-colored sputum suggests a respiratory disorder, such as pneumonia.
Option C: Yellow tooth discoloration may result from antibiotic therapy, not cancer chemotherapy.
Option D: White, cottage cheese–like patches on the tongue suggest a candidal infection, another common adverse effect of chemotherapy.