Inspect patient's oral cavity every shift. Describe and document condition; report any change in status. Regular assessments can anticipate or alleviate problems.
Perform the prescribed treatment regimen, including administering IV or oral fluids, to improve the condition of patient's mucous membranes. Monitor progress, reporting favorable and adverse responses to the treatment regimen.- Establish and follow a routine oral hygiene schedule. For example, soak dentures every evening, clean with denture cream, rinse, and keep them in a properly labeled container at patient's bedside. Routine oral hygiene can improve the condition of mucous membranes.
- Provide supportive measures, as indicated:
- Assist with oral hygiene before and after meals to promote a feeling of comfort and well-being.
- Use a toothbrush with suction if patient can't spit out water to minimize risk of aspiration.
- Provide mouthwash or gargles, as ordered, to increase patient comfort and maintain moisture in the mouth.
- Lubricate patient's lips frequently with water-based lubricant to prevent cracked, irritated skin.
- Instruct patient in oral hygiene practices, if necessary. Have patient return a demonstration of the oral care routine.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Brush with a circular motion away from the gums.
- Include the tongue when brushing.
- Review the need for routine visits to a dentist (annually for adults). These measures increase patient's awareness of oral hygiene practices and reduce discomfort, resulting in increased nutrition and hydration.
- Tell patient to chew gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate salivation.
- Discuss precipitating factors, if known, and work to prevent future episodes. For example, encourage patient to avoid exercising in heat and to report effects of medication. Patient's increased awareness of causative factors will help prevent recurrence.
- If oral surgery is scheduled, give the appropriate preoperative and postoperative instruction and care. Document the response. Instruction enhances compliance with therapy.
- Encourage adherence to other aspects of health care management (controlling diabetes, changing dietary habits, and avoiding alcoholic beverages) to control or minimize effects on mucous membranes.
- Encourage patient to stop smoking. Smoking has been linked to mucous membrane breakdown and cancer.
Refer patient to a dentist, dental hygienist, or other appropriate resource to correct ill-fitting dentures, modify braces, and adjust jaw wires as needed. Regularly scheduled dental follow-up reduces the risk of trauma to oral mucous membranes.
Suggested NIC Interventions
Fluid/Electrolyte Management; Infection Protection; Nutrition Management; Oral Health Maintenance; Oral Health Restoration |