Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

What is an important safety step when providing mouth care to a patient in bed?

1. Ensure the patient is in a sitting position

2. Use toothpaste with strong flavor

3. Have the patient's legs elevated

4. Provide mouth care while the patient is lying flat

The correct answer is: Ensure the patient is in a sitting position

An important safety step when providing mouth care to a patient in bed is to ensure that the patient is in a sitting position. This positioning helps prevent aspiration, which is when food or liquid enters the airway and lungs instead of the stomach. When a patient is seated, they are less likely to choke or aspirate during the mouth care process. Proper positioning also allows for better access to the mouth and facilitates a more comfortable experience for the patient. It helps in minimizing the risk of injury and promotes the effectiveness of the mouth care being provided. Maintaining a suitable angle reduces the chances of fluid entering the lungs, thereby enhancing safety during the procedure. While other options may have benefits in different contexts, they do not prioritize the patient's safety and comfort during mouth care in bed, making sitting position the most critical consideration.