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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Standing with feet close together reduces the base of support, making the nurse less stable and increasing the risk of losing balance or straining muscles. It is not recommended for lifting because it compromises stability and balance.
B. Keeping the box close to the body reduces the leverage and strain on the back muscles. This technique utilizes the strength of the legs and core muscles more effectively and helps to maintain balance and stability while lifting.
C. Bending at the waist puts excessive strain on the lower back muscles and can lead to back injury, especially when lifting heavy objects. The correct technique is to bend at the knees and hips while keeping the back straight to maintain proper alignment and reduce strain on the spine.
D. Twisting while lifting or carrying heavy objects can strain the muscles and ligaments of the spine, leading to injury, particularly to the intervertebral discs. The nurse should avoid twisting and instead pivot the entire body with the feet to change direction.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This statement is incorrect because after instilling ointment, the client should close their eye gently and avoid blinking to allow the ointment to spread over the conjunctival sac.
B. When applying ophthalmic ointment, the client should pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket (conjunctival sac) and then apply a thin line of ointment along this pocket. This method helps the ointment distribute evenly over the affected area.
C. While this is a correct technique for cleaning around the eye, it is not directly related to the application of ophthalmic ointment.
D. This statement is unnecessary and may confuse the client. It's typically not required to use sterile gloves for applying ophthalmic ointment, and most ointments come with a sterile applicator or can be applied using clean hands if instructed to do so by a healthcare provider.
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