HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

After extubation, which nursing measure will provide the most comfort to a client with a nasogastric tube?

1. Allow the client to melt ice chips in the mouth

2. Provide mints to freshen the breath

3. Perform frequent oral care with a tooth sponge

4. Swab the mouth with glycerin swabs

The correct answer is: Perform frequent oral care with a tooth sponge

Performing frequent oral care with a tooth sponge will provide the most comfort to a client with a nasogastric tube after extubation. After extubation, patients often experience dry mouth and discomfort due to the presence of the nasogastric tube, which can contribute to oral dryness and irritation. Regular oral care using a tooth sponge helps maintain oral hygiene, stimulates saliva production, and provides a soothing effect, which can significantly enhance the patient’s comfort level. Oral care is crucial for preventing complications such as mucositis and promoting overall patient well-being. Other options may contribute to comfort but do not address the primary need for effective oral hygiene and moisture as thoroughly as frequent oral care does. Melting ice chips may provide temporary relief but does not replace essential oral hygiene, while mints can help freshen breath but do not deal with the discomfort caused by dryness. Glycerin swabs may provide some moisture; however, they can also contribute to dryness if overused. Thus, the comprehensive and supportive approach of frequent oral care is the most beneficial nursing measure in this scenario.