Question

An older client with poor oral hygiene was admitted after a fall in which he sustained a fractured hip. What is the priority nursing intervention?

a. initiate oral care every 6 hours
b. implement aspiration precautions
c. use lemon glycerin swabs to moisten the mouth as needed
d. request a consult with a registered dietitian

Answer 1

The priority nursing intervention for an older client with poor oral hygiene and a fractured hip is to implement aspiration precautions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority nursing intervention for an older client with poor oral hygiene who has been admitted after a fractured hip is to implement aspiration precautions. This is important because poor oral hygiene can lead to the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which can increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia if the bacteria are inhaled into the lungs. Aspiration precautions include keeping the client's head elevated, providing oral care before meals, and monitoring for signs of aspiration, such as coughing or choking.

Initiating oral care every 6 hours (option A) is important for maintaining oral hygiene, but it is not the priority in this situation. Using lemon glycerin swabs to moisten the mouth as needed (option C) can help with dryness and discomfort, but it does not address the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Requesting a consult with a registered dietitian (option D) may be necessary for proper nutrition, but it is not the priority intervention.