When giving mouth care to an unconscious resident, what position is safest?

• A.Flat on the back with the head straight up
• B.Sitting up at 90 degrees alone
• C.On the side with the head turned to the side
• D.On the stomach with the face down

Why

Side-lying with the head turned lets fluid drain out of the mouth instead of into the airway. Lying flat on the back raises the risk of choking and aspiration.

Content outline: Physical Care Skills - Activities of Daily Living: Hygiene · From the Physical Care Skills practice bank (PC-021).

Practice this domain as a full test

More Oral Care & Denture Care questions

• How often should oral care be offered to a resident who can brush independently?
• A resident is unconscious. How often should mouth care usually be given?
• What tool may be used to keep an unconscious resident's mouth open during oral care?
• How should dentures be stored when they are not in the resident's mouth?
• Why must a denture cup be labeled with the resident's name?