For oral care of an unresponsive resident, what head position is recommended?

• A. Turn the resident's head to the side and keep the chest dry.
• B. Raise the head of the bed or turn the resident's head to their side and place a towel across the chest and under the side of the face.
• C. Keep the resident flat on the back during care.
• D. Do not position the head at all during care.

Answer: (B)

Positioning to protect the airway during oral care for an unresponsive resident is essential. The best approach is to turn the head to the side or raise the head of the bed so fluids drain away from the airway. Placing a towel across the chest and under the side of the face provides a barrier to catch saliva and any cleansing solutions, helping keep the mouth area clean while preventing fluids from soaking into clothes and moving toward the airway. Keeping the resident flat on the back or not positioning the head at all during care increases the risk that fluids could flow toward the airway and cause aspiration, which is why those options are not suitable.