A client with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) who has been on long-term corticosteroid therapy develops oral candidiasis. The client informs the nurse that the pain makes it difficult to chew or swallow. Which action should the nurse implement first?

A. Obtain a soft diet for the client: Providing a soft diet helps reduce mechanical irritation of oral lesions and makes eating easier. While this supports comfort and nutrition, it does not immediately address the client’s acute pain, which is preventing them from chewing or swallowing. Pain relief takes priority to enable safe oral intake. B. Cleanse the mouth with swabs: Gentle oral cleansing helps reduce microbial load and maintain hygiene, particularly in immunocompromised clients. However, performing mouth care without addressing severe pain first may cause additional discomfort, making it difficult for the client to tolerate hygiene measures. C. Encourage frequent mouth care: Routine mouth care is essential for preventing secondary infections and promoting oral health. Despite its importance, the client’s immediate barrier to oral intake is pain. Encouraging care without first alleviating pain may be ineffective and poorly tolerated. D. Administer a topical analgesic: The priority intervention is managing acute oral pain to allow the client to eat, swallow, and tolerate oral care. Topical analgesics, such as viscous lidocaine or other prescribed agents, provide immediate relief, facilitating nutrition and hygiene while preparing for subsequent interventions like soft diet or mouth cleansing.