A nurse is planning care for a client who reports smoking and occasional mouth sores. Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize in the care plan?

A. Referring to a speech therapist is not the priority action for a client reporting smoking and mouth sores. Speech therapy focuses on communication or swallowing disorders, not prevention or education regarding oral health risks related to smoking. B. Recommending switching to vaping is inappropriate. Vaping still exposes the oral cavity and respiratory system to harmful chemicals and does not eliminate risk for oral lesions, cancer, or gum disease. It is not a safe alternative. C. Scheduling a dental cleaning is beneficial for oral health, but it addresses only one aspect of prevention and does not target the underlying risk behavior of smoking. While important, it is secondary to educating the client about smoking’s effects. D. Providing education on the effects of smoking on oral health is the priority nursing action. Smoking is a major risk factor for oral cancers, periodontal disease, delayed healing, and recurrent mouth sores. Education empowers the client to understand these risks, promotes behavioral change, and is the first step in a preventive care plan. The nurse can also incorporate smoking cessation resources and monitor for early signs of oral pathology.