What intervention can alleviate the most common symptom of dryness when feeding is withheld?

• A. Good mouth care
• B. Initiating feeding immediately
• C. Intravenous fluids only
• D. Increasing protein intake

Answer: (A)

Maintaining moist, healthy oral tissues is the most direct way to relieve dryness when feeding is withheld. Dry mouth occurs when salivary production declines during fasting, leading to discomfort and mucosal irritation. Providing good mouth care—regular oral hygiene, lip lubrication, saliva substitutes, and oral humidification—keeps the mucosa moist, reduces irritation, and helps the patient be more comfortable and prepared to resume feeding. Starting feeding immediately doesn’t specifically address dryness and may not be appropriate in all cases. Intravenous fluids address overall hydration but aren’t targeted to oral dryness. Increasing protein intake doesn’t directly affect salivary flow or mucosal moisture.