How should you perform oral care for an unconscious resident to prevent aspiration?

• A. Turn the resident on the side, use suction as needed, and wipe with moistened swabs; avoid leaving fluids in the mouth.
• B. Brush teeth with toothpaste.
• C. Turn the resident on the back and rinse with water.
• D. Do nothing.

Answer: (A)

Preventing aspiration during oral care for an unconscious resident starts with protecting the airway and keeping fluids out of it. Position the resident on their side with the head turned so saliva and secretions drain away from the airway. Use suction as needed to remove moisture and debris during the care. Clean the mouth with moistened swabs rather than a full rinse or brushing, which is gentler and helps control what goes in and out of the mouth. Keep the mouth moist but avoid leaving fluids there to minimize the risk of inhalation into the lungs. Brushing teeth with toothpaste isn’t appropriate for an unconscious person because it can provoke choking or allow toothpaste to be aspirated. Turning the resident onto their back and rinsing with water increases the chance that fluids enter the airway. Doing nothing would neglect both oral hygiene and airway protection.