Before providing mouth care to a comatose patient, what should the nurse do to ensure safety?

Assessing the patient's gag reflex is crucial before providing mouth care to a comatose patient because it helps determine their risk for aspiration. Patients in a comatose state often have reduced or absent protective reflexes, including the gag reflex. By assessing this reflex, the nurse can identify whether the patient might be at risk of choking or aspirating oral secretions or fluids during the mouth care procedure.

If the gag reflex is absent or diminished, the nurse should take additional precautions such as positioning the patient to minimize risk and possibly using suction equipment to clear any secretions. This assessment is a vital first step in ensuring that mouth care can be performed safely, protecting the patient from potential complications associated with poor airway protection during care activities.