When assessing a client with stomatitis who is undergoing chemotherapy, what key information should the practical nurse (PN) gather?

Gathering information about the client's ability to swallow is crucial in the assessment of a client with stomatitis undergoing chemotherapy. Stomatitis, an inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, can result in pain, swelling, and difficulty swallowing. Understanding the client's swallowing capability is essential for ensuring adequate nutrition and preventing complications such as aspiration. Additionally, this information directly impacts how the nurse can manage the client's dietary intake and provide appropriate interventions to ease their discomfort.

While the other options may provide useful information regarding the client’s overall condition and comfort, they do not address the immediate implications of stomatitis as directly as swallowing ability does. For instance, frequency of nausea and vomiting might give insights into the client’s response to chemotherapy, but it does not relate directly to the complications caused by stomatitis. The presence of oral lesions is also significant for diagnosis and treatment, but again, it is more indirect regarding the client's immediate challenges. Dietary preferences may help tailor nutrition support but do not inform the nurse about the functional ability to eat and drink, which is paramount in managing a client with swallowing difficulties due to stomatitis.