Basic Nursing SkillsQuestion 87 of 200

Oral care for an unconscious resident requires:

a.Brushing vigorously with the resident supine
b.Pouring water into the mouth and letting it drain
c.Skipping oral care to avoid aspiration
d.Side-lying or head-turned position, suction available or oral swabs with minimal moisture, mouth propped open with padded tongue blade, no liquids that could be aspirated

Explanation

Unconscious oral care: position side-lying or with head turned to allow drainage, use oral swabs lightly moistened (chlorhexidine per protocol), keep mouth open with a padded device, have suction ready, never pour liquids that could be aspirated. Supine brushing (c) and pouring fluids (a) cause aspiration pneumonia; skipping care (d) leads to dry mucosa, ulcers, and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Oral hygiene every 2-4 hours is standard.

Law Reference: Fundamentals; oral care

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