Which of the following is a long-term goal for a patient with mucositis?

Maintaining hydration and nutritional intake is a critical long-term goal for a patient with mucositis. This condition, often resulting from chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can lead to significant inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes, making it painful for patients to eat or drink. As a result, they may struggle to meet their nutritional needs. Ensuring that patients maintain adequate hydration and nutritional intake is essential for their overall health and recovery, helping to support healing processes and prevent complications associated with malnourishment and dehydration.

In contrast, experiencing consistent fatigue is not an objective or beneficial goal, as fatigue is a common symptom that needs to be managed rather than maintained. Isolating from social interactions can negatively affect a patient's emotional well-being and support system; social interaction can be crucial for mental health, especially during the challenges of treatment. Avoiding any pain medications completely is not a realistic goal, as pain management is often necessary to improve quality of life and promote the ability to eat and drink, which directly relates to the maintenance of nutrition and hydration. Thus, the focus on maintaining hydration and nutrition is aligned with promoting overall health and managing the implications of mucositis effectively.