A nurse in a long-term care facility is caring for a client who is unresponsive. When performing oral hygiene for the client, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Turn the client on his side before starting oral care.
Use a stiff toothbrush to clean the client's teeth.
Apply petroleum jelly to the client's lips after oral care.
Use the thumb and index finger to keep the client's mouth open.
The Correct Answer is A
A. This is a crucial step to prevent aspiration (the inhalation of oral contents into the lungs). Turning the client on their side helps to facilitate drainage and prevents oral fluids and debris from entering the airway during oral care.
B. Using a stiff toothbrush can be harmful to the gums and oral tissues, especially for clients who are unresponsive and may not be able to indicate discomfort. A soft-bristled toothbrush or moistened gauze is recommended for cleaning the teeth and gums to prevent injury and maintain oral hygiene effectively.
C. Applying petroleum jelly or a similar barrier ointment helps to moisturize and protect the lips from dryness and cracking, which can be common in clients who are unresponsive and may not be able to moisten their lips independently.
D. Using the thumb and index finger to keep the client's mouth open is gentle and effective. This technique allows the nurse to visualize and clean the oral cavity adequately without causing discomfort or injury to the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Gloves are not specifically required for airborne precautions unless contact with infectious secretions or materials is anticipated. Airborne precautions primarily focus on preventing inhalation of infectious droplet nuclei. Therefore, wearing gloves is not necessary solely due to airborne precautions.
B. This option is not related to airborne precautions. Encouraging ambulation in the hall is a general nursing intervention and does not specifically address preventing the transmission of airborne pathogens.
C. An N95 respirator mask is designed to filter out 95% of airborne particles, including those containing infectious agents. It provides respiratory protection for healthcare workers who may be exposed to airborne pathogens during procedures such as aerosol-generating procedures (e.g., suctioning, bronchoscopy) or when caring for clients with airborne infections.
D. Positive pressure airflow rooms are typically used for clients requiring protective isolation (e.g., immunocompromised clients) but are not specifically required for clients on airborne precautions. Negative pressure airflow rooms are preferred for clients on airborne precautions because they prevent the spread of airborne pathogens to other areas of the facility.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The oral mucosa, especially the lips and tongue, is a reliable indicator of central cyanosis. Cyanosis is evident as bluish discoloration in these areas due to the presence of deoxygenated hemoglobin.
B. Cyanosis is less reliably visible on the eyelids compared to the lips and oral mucosa. Skin over the eyelids is typically thinner, but detection of cyanosis here can be more challenging due to variations in skin pigmentation and thickness.
C. Similar to the eyelids, cyanosis may be less evident on the ear lobes compared to the lips and oral mucosa. Ear lobes are less vascular and may not consistently show cyanosis unless the condition is severe.
D. The tip of the nose is another area where cyanosis can be detected, although it is less reliable than the lips and oral mucosa. Like the eyelids and ear lobes, the detection of cyanosis here can vary depending on individual skin characteristics.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
