A nurse in a long-term care facility is taking care of a patient who is unresponsive. What action should the nurse take when performing oral hygiene for the patient?
Turn the patient on their side before starting oral care.
Apply petroleum jelly to the patient’s lips after oral care.
Use the thumb and index finger to keep the patient’s mouth open.
Use a stiff toothbrush to clean the patient’s teeth.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Turning the patient on their side before starting oral care is a recommended practice when caring for an unresponsive patient. This position helps prevent aspiration, which can occur if the patient cannot swallow properly.
Choice B rationale
Applying petroleum jelly to the patient’s lips after oral care can help prevent dryness and cracking. However, it’s not the primary action the nurse should take when performing oral hygiene for an unresponsive patient.
Choice C rationale
Using the thumb and index finger to keep the patient’s mouth open is not recommended. It can cause discomfort and potential injury to the patient.
Choice D rationale
Using a stiff toothbrush to clean the patient’s teeth is not recommended. A soft toothbrush is usually used to clean the teeth of an unresponsive patient to prevent damage to the gums.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Checking that the client’s restraints are secured with a half-bow knot is a good practice. This type of knot is secure but can be easily untied, which is important for quick removal of the restraints if necessary.
Choice B rationale
Requesting that the provider prescribe the restraints as PRN is not a good practice. Restraints should only be used as a last resort and must be ordered by a healthcare provider. The order must specify the reason for the restraints and the duration of use.
Choice C rationale
Ensuring that the client’s wrists are padded is a good practice. Padding helps to prevent skin breakdown and nerve damage.
Choice D rationale
Loosening the restraints once every 4 hours is not a good practice. Restraints should be removed or loosened every 2 hours to allow for skin care and assessment, range of motion exercises, and to check for signs of injury.
Choice E rationale
Documenting client care every 15 minutes is a good practice. This includes documenting the client’s behavior, the type and location of restraints, the frequency of care (at least every 2 hours), and the client’s response to the restraints.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Withholding the medication until the prescribing provider is available could potentially put the patient at risk, especially if the medication is critical for the patient’s health and well-being.
Choice B rationale
Requesting to speak with the provider who is covering for the prescriber is the most appropriate action in this situation. This allows the nurse to clarify the prescription and ensure the safety of the patient.
Choice C rationale
Contacting the pharmacy to confirm that the dosage is safe to administer could be a part of the process, but it should not be the first step. The nurse should first contact a healthcare provider to discuss the prescription.
Choice D rationale
Informing the charge nurse and administering the usual dose of the medication without first consulting with a healthcare provider could potentially put the patient at risk.
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