CNA Skill 19

SKILL 19: PROVIDES MOUTH CARE

1. Introduce yourself and explain the procedure to the patient.
2. Provide privacy.
3. Perform hand hygiene
4. Place all supplies on a barrier.
5. Put on gloves.
6. If the patient is in bed, elevate the head of the bed if it is permissible per the care plan.
7. Cover the patient’s chest with a towel to keep their clothing or gown clean.
8. Wet the toothbrush in the sink or in a cup of water.
9. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush.
10. Brush the patient’s teeth, including the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of all upper and lower teeth.
11. After each quadrant of the mouth (i.e., lower right, lower left, upper right, or upper left), allow the patient to rinse with water and spit into an emesis basin.
12. Clean the patient’s tongue, being careful not to cause the patient to gag.
13. Assist the patient in rinsing their mouth.
14. Wipe the patient’s mouth with the towel on their chest.
15. Remove the towel and place it in a linen bag.
16. Empty the emesis basin.
17. Rinse the emesis basin.
18. Dry the emesis basin.
19. Rinse the toothbrush.
20. Remove the gloves, turning them inside out.
21. Dispose of the gloves in an appropriate container.
22. Ensure the bed is low and locked.
23. Place the call light or signaling device within reach of the patient.
24. Perform hand hygiene.