The nurse is preparing a comatose client for oral hygiene. Unless cont

The nurse is preparing a comatose client for oral hygiene. Unless contraindicated, the best posi-tion to place the client in is:

1. Sims’
2. Dorsal recumbent
3. Prone
4. Fowlers

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Turning the client’s head to the side allows secretions to drain from mouth instead of collecting in back of pharynx, preventing aspiration. Moving the client close to the side of the bed facili-tates proper body mechanics during the skill.