The nurse is providing oral care for a client who is weak, drowsy, and unable to take anything by mouth (NPO). Which of the following would the nurse implement when performing appropriate oral care for this client?
Perform oral hygiene at least every 2 hours.
Client must be supine with head of bed below 30 degrees.
Use alcohol-based mouth rinse with oral swab.
Assist the client with oral care by brushing their teeth twice daily
The Correct Answer is A
A. Perform oral hygiene at least every 2 hours:
Regular oral care is essential to maintain oral health, prevent infections, and provide comfort. When a client is NPO, and especially if they are weak or drowsy, the nurse should perform oral care at least every 2 hours to keep the oral cavity moist, reduce the risk of infection, and provide comfort.
B. Client must be supine with the head of the bed below 30 degrees:
Keeping the head of the bed elevated to at least 30 degrees is important for preventing aspiration and promoting respiratory function. This position is not specific to oral care but is a general guideline for managing clients at risk for aspiration.
C. Use alcohol-based mouth rinse with oral swab:
Alcohol-based mouth rinses can be drying and may not be suitable for a client who is NPO, as they might contribute to further dryness of the oral mucosa. Non-alcohol-based mouth rinses or moistened oral swabs are often preferred.
D. Assist the client with oral care by brushing their teeth twice daily:
While regular oral care is important, the frequency of twice daily brushing may not be sufficient for a weak, drowsy client, especially if they are NPO. Oral care should be performed more frequently to maintain oral hygiene.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Discard the bottle of saline and obtain a new bottle:
Sterility is crucial when performing a sterile procedure. If the saline solution has been opened for 48 hours, it may no longer be considered sterile. The nurse's priority is to use a fresh, sterile bottle of saline to ensure aseptic technique during the dressing change.
B. Lip the bottle of saline over the trash before pouring into the field:
Lipping the bottle over the trash is not a recommended practice. Pouring the saline over a sterile field is the appropriate way to maintain the sterility of the solution.
C. Pour the saline at least 6 inches above the sterile field:
While pouring from a height can help generate a flow without contamination, the priority in this situation is to address the sterility of the saline. It's crucial to start with a new, unopened bottle.
D. Be sure the label is facing the palm before pouring:
The orientation of the label is not the primary concern in this scenario. The primary concern is the sterility of the saline solution.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Pulse:
A pulse rate of 88 bpm is within the normal range. While it's important to monitor the pulse for changes, the reported pulse rate does not raise immediate concerns.
B. Temperature:
An oral temperature of 99.2 degrees Fahrenheit is within the normal range. While it's slightly elevated, it might be influenced by various factors, and isolated temperature readings are not as urgent as other vital signs.
C. Blood Pressure:
A blood pressure reading of 178/112 mm Hg is significantly elevated. High blood pressure is a major concern due to the potential risks it poses to the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and other organs. Immediate attention and further assessment are needed.
D. Respirations:
Respiratory rate of 18 bpm is within the normal range. While it's important to monitor respiratory rate, the reported rate does not raise immediate concerns.
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