The nurse observes a practical nurse (PN) performing oral care on an unconscious client. Which action by the PN indicates to the nurse the need for additional training?
Suctions secretions from the posterior pharynx.
Tests for a gag reflex before performing oral care.
Places the client in a supine position.
Uses an oral airway to keep the teeth apart.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Suctions secretions from the posterior pharynx:
Suctioning secretions from the posterior pharynx is an appropriate action to maintain airway patency and prevent aspiration in an unconscious client. This action indicates proper understanding of oral care principles.
B. Tests for a gag reflex before performing oral care:
Testing for a gag reflex before performing oral care is an important safety measure, especially in unconscious clients, to prevent aspiration or airway obstruction. This action indicates proper assessment and consideration of the client's protective reflexes.
C. Places the client in a supine position:
Placing an unconscious client in a supine position during oral care can increase the risk of aspiration, as it may impair the client's ability to manage oral secretions. The preferred position for oral care in unconscious clients is typically a side-lying position to facilitate drainage of oral secretions and reduce the risk of aspiration.
D. Uses an oral airway to keep the teeth apart:
Using an oral airway to keep the teeth apart is not a standard practice for oral care in unconscious clients and may not be necessary. Proper positioning of the client's head and jaw manipulation can often provide adequate access for oral care without the need for an oral airway.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Initiate the facility's restraint flow sheet:
- Initiating the facility's restraint flow sheet is an important step for documenting the use of restraints according to institutional policies and regulatory requirements. However, in this scenario where improper use of restraints has been observed, the immediate priority is to address the safety concern and prevent harm to the client.
B. Ensure that the restraints are not too tight:
- Ensuring that the restraints are not too tight is crucial for preventing harm to the client, such as compromised circulation or tissue damage. However, while important, this action is secondary to addressing the observed improper use of restraints, which poses an immediate safety risk to the client.
C. Demonstrate proper securing of the restraints:
Educating the UAP on how to correctly apply restraints is crucial. Incorrectly secured restraints can lead to complications such as injury, infection, or impaired circulation. The nurse should show the UAP how to secure the restraints to amovable part of the bed frame, not to the side rails. This ensures safety and prevents harm if the side rails are released.Proper restraint application helps maintain the client’s safety while minimizing risks.
D. Complete an adverse occurrence/incident report:
- Completing an adverse occurrence/incident report: Reporting incidents is necessary, but it can wait until after ensuring safe restraint application.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Places food on the unaffected side of the mouth:
This is correct practice for clients at risk for aspiration. Placing food on the unaffected side helps ensure safer swallowing.
B. Raises the head of the bed to 60 degrees:
This is appropriate as it helps reduce the risk of aspiration by promoting proper positioning during feeding.
C. Positions the head with the chin tilted slightly downward:
Positioning the head with the chin tilted slightly downward (chin tuck) helps close off the airway during swallowing, further reducing the risk of aspiration. This is another appropriate technique to minimize the risk of aspiration during feeding.
D. Allows 30 minutes of rest before feeding:
This is incorrect because it’s generally important to avoid long periods of rest before feeding. The client should be well-rested, but allowing 30 minutes specifically as a rest period before feeding is not a standard practice and may not align with the client's needs or feeding protocols.
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.