Dietetic Technician Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Preparation

Chemotherapy is known to cause a range of side effects that can significantly influence a patient’s nutritional status, and mucositis, along with mouth pain, is a common and particularly impactful effect. Mucositis refers to inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes in the mouth, which can lead to significant discomfort when eating. This can make it difficult for patients to consume adequate nutrition and hydration, resulting in weight loss, dehydration, and a decreased quality of life.

Patients experiencing mucositis may avoid eating or drinking due to pain, leading to inadequate nutrient intake. Furthermore, food texture and temperature can exacerbate discomfort, limiting the variety of foods a patient is willing or able to consume. This can further lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals if proper nutrition is not maintained during treatment.

The other choices do not align with the typical negative impacts of chemotherapy on nutritional status. Increased appetite and weight gain do not generally characterize the experience of many undergoing this treatment; in fact, many patients might experience the opposite. Hypersensitivity to flavors could alter food preferences but doesn’t directly influence the ability to maintain nutrition as severely as mucositis does. Thus, mucositis and mouth pain are critical considerations in the nutritional management of patients undergoing chemotherapy.