Question

The nurse has been teaching a student how to perform mouth care for her unconscious patient. The student will show evidence of learning if she places the patient in which position for this care?

1) Supine
2) Prone
3) Semi-Fowlers
4) Side-lying

Answer 1

The student will demonstrate evidence of learning by placing the unconscious patient in the Side-lying position for mouth care to prevent aspiration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct position to place an unconscious patient for mouth care is the Side-lying position, option 4. When performing mouth care on an unconscious patient, it is critical to prevent aspiration, which can occur if fluids or debris enter the lungs. The Side-lying position ensures that any fluid in the patient's mouth can drain out to the side, reducing the risk of aspiration, and making it a safer option than the Supine (face up), Prone (face down), or Semi-Fowlers positions.