Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What position must a conscious resident be in during mouth care?

1. Supine position

2. Sitting position

3. High Fowlers

4. Prone position

The correct answer is: High Fowlers

During mouth care for a conscious resident, the correct position is a sitting position. This position allows for comfort and safety while promoting effective oral hygiene. It helps prevent choking and aspirating on saliva or mouth care solutions, as gravity aids in the natural swallowing process. Moreover, sitting enables better accessibility for the caregiver to perform mouth care tasks, ensuring that all areas of the mouth can be reached and cared for thoroughly. Although the high Fowler's position, which involves sitting upright, is beneficial for residents with respiratory issues or for feeding, it is not the only appropriate option for basic mouth care. Both the sitting and high Fowler's positions are acceptable, but the emphasis is often on a simple, seated position for standard oral hygiene practices. The other positions mentioned—supine and prone—are not suitable for conscious residents during mouth care as they can lead to difficulties with swallowing and pose safety risks.