NCLEX Question of the Day

April 6, 2026

Basic Care and Comfort QID 596

When a nurse is assisting a patient with oral care who is unconscious, what is the most important safety measure to implement?

A:
Using a large amount of mouthwash to ensure freshness.
B:
Brushing the teeth vigorously to remove all plaque.
C:
Turning the patient's head to the side to prevent aspiration.
D:
Placing the patient in a supine position.

Explanation

Turning the patient's head to the side is the most important safety measure when providing oral care to an unconscious patient to prevent aspiration of fluids. Brushing teeth vigorously can cause oral trauma and is not recommended. Using a large amount of mouthwash is not advisable as it can increase the risk of aspiration. The patient should not be placed in a supine position as this also increases the risk of aspiration.

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