The uncooperative patient is resisting attempts by the nurse to provide oral hygiene care.To provide the needed care,what may the nurse do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the patient is unconscious or uncooperative or is having difficulty keeping the mouth open,a padded tongue blade can help.It is inserted over the tongue to keep the teeth apart when the patient is relaxed.The nurse must not use force.The nurse must never place fingers into the mouth of an unconscious or debilitated patient;the normal response of the patient is to bite down.The patient should be positioned on the side,or the head turned,to allow for drainage.Placing the patient on the back could lead to aspiration.Hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate effectively remove debris but,if not diluted carefully,may cause superficial burns.

The Uncooperative Patient Is Resisting Attempts by the Nurse to Provide