A nurse observes assistive personnel (AP) perform mouth care for a client who is unconscious.
Which of the following actions by the AP requires intervention by the nurse?
Lowering the side rail on the side of the bed where they will stand to perform mouth care.
Using an oral care sponge swab moistened with cool water to clean the client’s mouth.
Wearing clean gloves to perform mouth care for the client.
Using two gloved fingers to open the client’s mouth for cleaning.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is D. Using two gloved fingers to open the client’s mouth for cleaning.
Choice A rationale:
Lowering the side rail on the side of the bed where the AP will stand is necessary for safe access to the client. However, the AP should ensure the opposite side rail is up to prevent the client from falling.
Choice B rationale:
Using an oral care sponge swab moistened with cool water is an appropriate method for cleaning the mouth of an unconscious client. It helps maintain oral hygiene and comfort.
Choice C rationale:
Wearing clean gloves is essential for infection control and is a standard practice when performing mouth care to protect both the client and the caregiver.
Choice D rationale:
Using two gloved fingers to open the client’s mouth is not recommended as it can cause injury to the caregiver if the client bites down reflexively. Instead, a padded tongue blade should be used to gently open the mouth.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Aspiration is when food or liquid enters the airway and causes choking or infection. Speech therapists can teach clients exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing, as well as strategies to prevent aspiration, such as changing the position of the head or the texture of the food.
Choice B is wrong because respiratory therapists help clients with breathing problems, not swallowing problems.
They may provide oxygen therapy, chest physiotherapy, or mechanical ventilation.
Choice C is wrong because physical therapists help clients with mobility problems, not swallowing problems.
They may provide exercises, massage, or assistive devices to improve movement and function.
Choice D is wrong because occupational therapists help clients with daily living activities, not swallowing problems.
They may provide training, adaptive equipment, or environmental modifications to enhance independence and quality of life.
Dysphagia is a medical term for swallowing difficulties.
It can be caused by various conditions that affect the nerves or muscles involved in swallowing, such as stroke, head injury, Parkinson’s disease, or esophageal cancer.
Dysphagia can lead to complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, or aspiration pneumonia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
It's common practice to check blood pressure in both arms when there is a significant discrepancy in blood pressure readings between the arms. This discrepancy could be due to factors like arterial blockages or other conditions. By measuring the blood pressure in the other arm, the nurse can confirm whether the high blood pressure is consistent on both sides or if there was an issue with the initial measurement. This step helps provide a more accurate assessment of the client's blood pressure.
- The other options are not appropriate at this stage:
Deflating the cuff faster may not resolve the issue and could lead to inaccurate measurements.
Requesting a prescription for an antihypertensive medication should only be done after confirming the blood pressure is consistently elevated and under the direction of a healthcare provider.
Using a narrower cuff is not indicated in this situation. It's more important to assess the other arm's blood pressure to identify any discrepancies.
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