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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Hypercalcemia can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue rather than hypotonicity. High calcium levels affect neuromuscular function, potentially causing muscle weakness and decreased muscle tone rather than increased flaccidity.
B. Chvostek's sign is a clinical sign of hypocalcemia, not hypercalcemia. It is characterized by facial muscle twitching in response to tapping the facial nerve just anterior to the ear. Therefore, a positive Chvostek's sign would not be expected in hypercalcemia.
C. Hypercalcemia can cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation rather than diarrhea. High calcium levels can lead to decreased smooth muscle contractility in the intestines, resulting in constipation rather than increased motility leading to diarrhea.
D. Hypercalcemia can lead to a variety of cardiovascular effects, including arrhythmias. Tachycardia can occur as a result of increased sensitivity of the heart to catecholamines and altered electrical conductivity in hypercalcemia.

A. Request a prescription for the insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter. B. Clean the skin and perineum with hot water after each episode of incontinence. C. Check the client's skin every 8 hr for signs of breakdown. D. Apply a moisture barrier ointment to the skin.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Indwelling urinary catheters are associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other complications, including skin irritation and breakdown around the catheter site. Routine use of indwelling catheters is not recommended for managing routine urinary incontinence due to these risks.

B. Using hot water or harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to further irritation and breakdown. Instead, gentle cleansing with mild soap and warm water is recommended after each episode of incontinence to remove urine and prevent skin irritation. Patting the skin dry rather than rubbing can also help prevent damage to the skin barrier.
C. Regular skin assessment is crucial in clients with urinary incontinence to identify early signs of skin breakdown. Checking the skin every 8 hours may not be frequent enough, particularly if the client is incontinent frequently. More frequent assessment, ideally after each episode of incontinence or at least every 2-4 hours, is recommended to promptly identify and address any skin issues.
D. Applying a moisture barrier ointment or cream to the perineal area and any areas prone to moisture can help protect the skin from urine and fecal exposure. These products create a barrier that prevents direct contact of urine with the skin, reducing the risk of irritation and breakdown. Regular application, especially after cleansing and as needed throughout the day, can help maintain skin integrity.

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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?

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