Skill Checklists for Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills: A Nursing Process Approach

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Copyright © 2011 by Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Skill Checklists for Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills:

Skill Checklists for Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills:
A Nursing Process Approach, 3rd edition

Name Date

Unit Position

Instructor/Evaluator: Position

SKILL 7-2

Assisting the Patient With Oral Care

Goal:The patient has a clean mouth and clean teeth,

exhibits a positive body image, and verbalizes the

importance of oral care. Comments

1. Perform hand hygiene and put on gloves if assisting with
   oral care, and/or other PPE, if indicated.


2. Identify the patient. Explain procedure to the patient.


3. Assemble equipment on overbed table within patient’s
   reach.


4. Close the room door or curtains. Place the bed at an
   appropriate and comfortable working height; usually
   elbow height of the caregiver (VISN 8 Patient Safety
   Center, 2009).


5. Lower side rail and assist patient to sitting position, if
   permitted, or turn patient onto side. Place towel across
   patient’s chest. Raise bed to a comfortable working
   position.


6. Encourage patient to brush own teeth, or assist, if
   necessary.
   a. Moisten toothbrush and apply toothpaste to bristles.
   b. Place brush at a 45-degree angle to gum line and brush
   from gum line to crown of each tooth. Brush outer and
   inner surfaces. Brush back and forth across biting
   surface of each tooth.
   c. Brush tongue gently with toothbrush.
   d. Have patient rinse vigorously with water and spit into
   emesis basin. Repeat until clear. Suction may be used as
   an alternative for removal of fluid and secretions from
   mouth.


7. Assist patient to floss teeth, if appropriate:
   a. Remove approximately 6 inches of dental floss from
   container or use a plastic floss holder. Wrap the floss
   around the index fingers, keeping about 1 to 1.5 inches
   of floss taut between the fingers.
   b. Insert floss gently between teeth, moving it back and
   forth downward to the gums.

ExcellentSatisfactoryNeeds Practice