Which position helps prevent aspiration for an unconscious patient during oral care?

Which position helps prevent aspiration for an unconscious patient during oral care?

• A. Position the patient with the head of bed elevated and the head turned to the side.
• B. Position the patient supine with the head flat.
• C. Position the patient prone with head down.
• D. Turn the patient onto the stomach during care.

Answer: (A)

Protecting the airway during oral care is the key idea. An unconscious person can’t swallow effectively, so saliva and rinse water can more easily enter the airway. Elevating the head of the bed helps keep secretions away from the throat, and turning the head to the side lets fluids drain out of the mouth instead of toward the trachea. Lying flat or having the head down or the person on the stomach increases the risk of aspiration, making those positions less safe during oral care. If possible, use suction to remove fluids as you work.

Protecting the airway during oral care is the key idea. An unconscious person can’t swallow effectively, so saliva and rinse water can more easily enter the airway. Elevating the head of the bed helps keep secretions away from the throat, and turning the head to the side lets fluids drain out of the mouth instead of toward the trachea. Lying flat or having the head down or the person on the stomach increases the risk of aspiration, making those positions less safe during oral care. If possible, use suction to remove fluids as you work.