ASSISTING AN OVERACTIVE PATIENT TO CLEAN THE MOUTH

REQUIREMENTS #

1. A tray containing the following:
   1. Tooth paste and tooth brush or chewing stick/sponge
   2. Water in a plastic cup
   3. Receiver if there is no sink
   4. Mouth wash
   5. Bowl for dentures
   6. Protective material
   7. Lip balm
   8. Paper tissue
   9. Examination gloves
   10. Face mask
   11. Goggles
2. Running tap and sink
3. Screen
4. Assisting nurse(s)

STEPS #

1. Establish rapport (refer procedure)
2. Explain the procedure to the patient
3. Discuss with patient the preferred tooth paste and brush or chewing stick/sponge to be used
4. Provide privacy and call for assistance when necessary
5. Prepare tray to be used for the procedure
6. Coax patient to the bathroom/appropriate place using persuasion and minimum force
7. Sit patient on a chair/stool or allow patient to stand as desired
8. Sit/stand in front of the patient where necessary
9. Place protective material under patient’s chin
10. Perform hand hygiene and don gloves
11. Remove and place dentures in a bowl if any and inspect mouth
12. Give patient some water to rinse the mouth into sink/receiver
13. Give patient brush with paste of choice or chewing stick or sponge
14. Supervise patient to clean teeth, tongue and the inner cheeks properly and assist where necessary
15. Give patient water to rinse mouth into sink/receiver
16. Provide mouth wash if available
17. Apply lip balm to the lips if dried or cracked
18. Clean dentures, rinse and replace them
19. Remove protective material
20. Express appreciation to patient and direct him/her to the next activity
21. Remove screen, clear tray, disinfect used items and perform hand hygiene
22. Document procedure, report any abnormalities and indicate patient’s level of co-operation in the nurses’ notes/patient’s folder