What's the process of oral care for an unconscious patient?Learn the answer to this CNA question. Show
What's the process of oral care for an unconscious patient?1. Gather supplies. 2. Check identification bracelet or name tag. 3. Introduce self, tell patient what you are going to do, provide privacy. 4. Wash hands, put on gloves. 5. Raise bed to comfortable height to perform oral care and raise head of bed 30 degrees. 6. Place a towel under patient's head and turn patient's head toward you. 7. With one hand, use a tongue depressor to hold patient's mouth open. With other hand, clean teeth, gums, and tongue. 8. Wipe or suction secretions from patient's mouth. 9. Reposition patient, lower bed, remove gloves, and wash hands. Related QuestionsPass the CNA Exam, GuaranteedYour entire career may be on the line. Don't risk wasting time and money on a repeat exam if you fail. With CNA Premium, you'll be over-prepared, so the official exam will seem easy. Time to Read: About 2 minutes This information explains what you can do to prevent aspiration when you’re eating, drinking, or tube feeding. Aspiration is when food or liquid goes into your airway instead of your esophagus. Your esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach. Aspiration can happen when you’re eating, drinking, or tube feeding. It can also happen when you’re vomiting (throwing up) or when you have heartburn. You may be at risk of aspiration if you have trouble swallowing. This is because food or liquid can get stuck in the back of your throat and go into your airway. Aspiration can lead to pneumonia, respiratory infections (infections in your nose, throat, or lungs), and other health problems. Signs of aspiration include: You and your
caregiver should watch for these signs before, during, and after you eat, drink, or tube feed. If you have any of these signs, stop eating, drinking, or tube feeding. Call your healthcare provider right away. Follow these guidelines to prevent aspiration when you’re eating and drinking by mouth:
Figure 1. Sitting up at a 45-degree angle
Follow these guidelines to prevent aspiration if you’re tube feeding:
Pacing Your FeedingsTo help prevent aspiration, it’s important to pace your feedings. Follow the guidelines below during your feedings to make sure you’re not taking in more than you can digest:
If you have any questions, call your Clinical Dietitian Nutritionist at 212-639-7312 or Nutrition Advanced Practice Provider (APP) at 212-639-6984. Back to topWhen to Contact Your Healthcare ProviderContact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:
If you’re having problems breathing or any other emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room right away. Back to topHow can nursing assistant help prevent aspiration during oral care of residents who are unconscious?Turn the resident's head to one side to prevent aspiration during the procedure. Put a waterproof pad and towel on the pillow underneath the resident's chin. His head should be turned to one side to allow excess fluid to drain out.
What is the best way to prevent aspiration when performing mouth care on residents who are unconscious?An unconscious patient is placed in the side-lying position when mouth care is provided because this position prevents pooling of secretions at the back of the oral cavity, thereby reducing the risk of aspiration.
Which of the following is an appropriate way for an NA to refer to a resident's weakened side when assisting with dressing?Which of the following is an appropriate way for an NA to refer to a resident's weakened side when assisting with dressing? Involved side.
What is an effective way for an NA to help prevent dehydration?Hartman's NA Care LTC 3rd Ed. Chapter 1 - 11. |