A patient with leukemia has developed stomatitis and is experiencing a nutritional deficit. An oral anesthetic has consequently been prescribeD. What health education should the nurse provide to the patient?
A. Chew with care to avoid inadvertently biting the tonguE.
B. Use the oral anesthetic 1 hour prior to meal timE.
C. Brush teeth before and after eating.
D. Swallow slowly and deliberately.