護理師準備為一位意識不清的病人進行口腔護理，哪項步驟是確保安全所必需的？
A nurse is preparing to provide oral hygiene to an unconscious client. Which step is essential to ensure safety?
- AUse a stiff-bristled toothbrush to remove hardened plaque使用硬毛牙刷去除硬化牙菌斑
- BUse a lemon-glycerin swab to clean the teeth使用檸檬甘油棒清潔牙齒
- CPlace the client in a side-lying position✓ 正解將個案置於側臥姿勢
- DKeep the client in a supine position with the head of the bed elevated讓個案保持仰臥姿勢並抬高床頭
為意識不清（unconscious）的病人進行口腔護理時，最大的風險是吸入性肺炎（aspiration pneumonia）。由於病人缺乏吞嚥反射，口腔內的清潔液或分泌物極易流入呼吸道。採取側臥位（side-lying position）能讓液體利用重力自然流出，這是保護氣道安全最關鍵的姿勢。此外，護理師應使用軟毛牙刷，避免使用檸檬甘油棒（因會造成黏膜乾燥）或強硬的摩擦，以免損傷口腔黏膜。
When providing oral care to an unconscious client, the greatest risk is aspiration pneumonia. Because the client lacks a swallowing reflex, cleansing fluids or secretions in the mouth can easily flow into the airway. Placing the client in a side-lying position allows fluids to drain naturally by gravity and is the most critical position for protecting the airway. In addition, the nurse should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid lemon-glycerin swabs (which cause mucosal dryness) or harsh scrubbing to prevent injury to the oral mucosa.