The nurse is planning to provide mouth care to an unconscious client.
Which statement is accurate for implementing mouth care to this client?

Brushing an unconscious client's teeth should be avoided.

Cleaning the inner cheeks and outer gum surfaces with a gauze pad is appropriate for an unconscious client.

Unconscious clients need less frequent mouth care than conscious clients.

Positioning the unconscious client upright is the best method because they are not eating or drinking.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Cleaning the inner cheeks and outer gum surfaces with a gauze pad is appropriate for an unconscious client.

When mouth care is provided, an unconscious patient is placed in the side-lying position because this prevents secretions from pooling at the back of the oral cavity, lowering the risk of aspiration1.

Choice A is incorrect because brushing an unconscious client’s teeth should not be avoided.

In fact, it is recommended that you brush your teeth at least once every four hours1.

Choice C is incorrect because unconscious clients need regular mouth care just like conscious clients2.

Choice D is incorrect because positioning the unconscious client upright is not the best method.

Instead, they should be placed in a side-lying position to prevent aspiration1.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Placing food on the unaffected side of the mouth is appropriate for a client who has had a CVA and may have unilateral weakness. This technique helps the client chew and swallow effectively, reducing the risk of aspiration.

B. Raising the head of the bed to 80 degrees is too high and can increase the risk of choking or aspiration by making it harder for the client to control the food bolus during swallowing. A more appropriate position is raising the head of the bed to 45–60 degrees, which facilitates safe swallowing while maintaining comfort. This action requires additional teaching.

C. Positioning the head with the chin tilted slightly downward, known as the chin-tuck position, is a recommended strategy to prevent aspiration. This position helps close the airway during swallowing, reducing the risk of food or liquid entering the trachea.

D. Allowing 30 minutes of rest before feeding is appropriate because it ensures the client is not fatigued, which can compromise swallowing ability and increase the risk of aspiration.

A. Administer each medication at the same time to ensure pain relief. B. Administer the medication with the highest dose first, then the others. C. Administer the medications as ordered based on the client's pain level. D. Administer the medication with the longest duration of action

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The most important intervention the nurse should take when administering these medications to the client is to assess the client’s pain level and administer the appropriate medication based on the level of pain.

Choice A is not the correct answer because administering all medications at the same time may not provide effective pain relief and could result in overmedication.

Choice B is not the correct answer because administering the medication with the highest dose first may not provide effective pain relief and could result in overmedication.

Choice D is not the correct answer because administering the medication with the longest duration of action first may not provide immediate pain relief.

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The nurse is planning to provide mouth care to an unconscious client. Which statement is accurate for implementing mouth care to this client?

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The nurse is planning to provide mouth care to an unconscious client.
Which statement is accurate for implementing mouth care to this client?