Hi,
I'm currently a tech in an ICU and will graduate and take my boards this summer. I'm looking forward to starting my job in a MICU/SICU/CCU Level II trauma center after boards.
Can you share with me what interventions you use to care for patients' mouths who are intubated? Where I currently work, I don't see a standard being used. Some nurses use hydrogen peroxide, some mouthwash, and some just water. We have the prepackaged toothbrushes/sponges that attach to suction, and sometimes I use them. But as a tech, I'll admit that they don't always work to remove dried fluids on the mouth and teeth. I've noticed that some patients' tongues become brown and beefy looking. Seems that some patients' mouths can tolerate the tube more than others. I'm sure some of this relates to their illness/medications, frequent cleaning, and current dental status.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Classicaldreams