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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 7-3Providing Oral Care for the Dependent Patient
Goal:The patient has a clean mouth and clean teeth; is free
from impaired oral mucous membranes; demonstrates
improvement in body image; and verbalizes, if able, an
understanding about the importance of oral care. Comments- Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE, if indicated.
- Identify the patient. Explain procedure to patient.
- Assemble equipment on overbed table within reach.
- Close the room door or curtains. Place the bed at an appro-
priate and comfortable working height, usually elbow
height of the caregiver (VISN 8 Patient Safety Center,
2009). Lower one side rail and position patient on the side,
with head tilted forward. Place towel across patient’s chest
and emesis basin in position under chin. Put on gloves. - Gently open the patient’s mouth by applying pressure to
lower jaw at the front of the mouth. Remove dentures, if
present. (Refer to Skill 7-4.) Brush the teeth and gums
carefully with toothbrush and paste. Lightly brush the
tongue. - Use toothette dipped in water to rinse the oral cavity. If
desired, insert the rubber tip of the irrigating syringe into
patient’s mouth and rinse gently with a small amount of
water. Position patient’s head to allow for return of water
or use suction apparatus to remove the water from oral
cavity. - Clean the dentures before replacing. (See Skill 7-4.)
- Apply lubricant to patient’s lips.
- Remove equipment and return patient to a position of
comfort. Remove your gloves. Raise side rail and lower
bed. - Remove additional PPE, if used. Perform hand hygiene.
ExcellentSatisfactoryNeeds Practice