NCLEX RN Simulated Exam Test Bank Related

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When providing mouth care to a patient in a coma, what should you do to provide good and safe mouth care?

  • A. keep the head of the bed up to prevent aspiration
  • B. brush the teeth and rinse the mouth with a cup of water
  • C. use a special foam swab to brush only the tongue
  • D. use a special foam swab to brush the tongue and teeth
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When providing mouth care to a patient in a coma, it is crucial to use a special foam swab to brush the tongue and teeth. This method helps maintain good oral hygiene for comatose patients. Special foam swabs are designed to effectively clean all areas of the mouth, including the cheeks and tongue, ensuring thorough care. Using water for mouth care in comatose patients can lead to aspiration, so it is important to avoid this practice. Keeping the head of the bed up alone does not prevent aspiration during mouth care for comatose patients, making choice A incorrect. Merely brushing the tongue (choice C) or using a foam swab only on the tongue (choice B) may not provide the comprehensive mouth care necessary for patients in a coma.