Which action should a nurse take to ensure thorough mouth care for an unconscious patient?

To ensure thorough mouth care for an unconscious patient, turning the patient's head to one side is crucial. This action helps to prevent aspiration, which occurs when fluid or debris enters the airway. Since unconscious patients lack the gag reflex and the ability to control their swallowing, positioning the head to one side allows any fluids to drain out of the mouth rather than being inhaled into the lungs.

Proper positioning also makes it easier for the nurse to access all areas of the mouth for cleaning, ensuring that the oral cavity is effectively cared for. This approach is essential for maintaining oral hygiene and preventing complications like pneumonia, which can arise from aspiration of oral secretions.

Other methods, such as using a high-powered suction device, are not typically necessary for routine mouth care and may cause discomfort or injury. Additionally, brushing the teeth should be done strategically throughout the mouth care process rather than only at the end, and using only water for rinsing may not adequately address the needs of maintaining oral hygiene, especially if there are specific products available to enhance the cleaning process.