The registered nurse is discussing oral care with a unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). The UAP has not provided oral care to several clients by the end of the shift. The UAP states "What's the big deal? Sometimes I don't brush my teeth twice a day." What response by the nurse is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Oral care is vital to help prevent nosocomial infections. Poor oral care can lead to pneumonia and systemic infections. While oral care is important for comfort, that is not the best answer because client safety is more important. Asking the UAP about his or her own habits is irrelevant. Providing oral care probably is in the facility's policies and in the UAP job description, but this answer does not provide the UAP with any useful information.

The Registered Nurse Is Discussing Oral Care with a Unlicensed