When providing oral hygiene to an unconscious patient, how should you protect them from choking or aspiration?

Turning the head to the side is an effective method for protecting an unconscious patient from choking or aspiration during oral hygiene procedures. This position allows any fluids or potential obstructions to drain away from the airway, reducing the risk of aspiration into the lungs. It aids in maintaining a clear airway by ensuring that if the patient were to involuntarily expel any fluids, gravity would help direct those fluids away from the trachea.

Keeping a patient upright can also reduce the risk of aspiration; however, it might not be feasible or safe for unconscious patients who cannot maintain this position without support. Covering the mouth does not address the risk of aspiration and may complicate the process of oral hygiene, while using a suction device can be helpful but is not a primary preventive action for every situation. Turning the head to the side specifically enhances safety during the procedure by leveraging gravity to protect the airway effectively.