Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. ORAL HYGIENE Care of the mouth and teeth: Purpose: 1. To clean the mouth and prevent halitosis (bad breath) 2. To prevent cavities Equipment: 1. Emesis basin 2. Mouth wash and cup 3. Tooth brush and cup 4. Dentifrice, mouthwash or salt water 5. Water glass, drinking tube if necessary NOTE: All equipment should be readily available. Procedure: 1. If patient is able to brush own teeth: a. Elevate head of bed, unless contraindicated, otherwise have patient turn on side. b. Protect bed with face towel. c. Arrange equipment within patient's reach on bedside table. Have patient brush teeth as directed. d. Fill patient's water glass with tap water for rinsing mouth. e. Pour mouthwash into cup and dilute with equal amounts of tap water. f. When patient has completed brushing his teeth, empty and wash emesis basin and mouthwash cup, dry with paper towel. Rinse water glass and drinking tube, if used. Return all equipment to bedside table. 2. If patient is unable to brush own teeth: a. Arrange equipment on bedside table. b. Pour mouthwash into cup and dilute with equal amount of tap water. c. Fill patient's water glass with tap water. d. Elevate head of bed, unless contraindicated, otherwise have patient turn on side with face at edge of pillow. Protect bed with face towel. e. Place emesis basin beneath lower jaw. f Pour small amount of water over toothbrush, into emesis basin. Put dentifrice on brush. g. Brush Patient's teeth from gum line to cutting edge, rinse brush. h. Have patient rinse out mouth first with water, then with mouthwash using drinking tube, and expectorating into emesis basin. i. Remove emesis basin and mouthwash cup and dry with paper towel. Rinse glass and drinking tube, rinse toothbrush and return all equipment to bedside table. Home Health Agency Nursing Care & Procedures K-66