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Examination of intensive care unit patients' oral health
Author(s) -
Celik Gul Gunes,
Eser Ismet
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of nursing practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.62
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1440-172X
pISSN - 1322-7114
DOI - 10.1111/ijn.12592
Subject(s) - medicine , intensive care unit , intensive care , health care , affect (linguistics) , intensive care medicine , emergency medicine , family medicine , psychology , economics , economic growth , communication
Background Oral health problems are common complications that most intensive care unit patients experience. There are many factors that affect oral health negatively and nurses have important responsibilities in this regard. Aim The aim of this study was assessment of the intensive care unit patients' oral health and risk factors. Methods This study was planned as a descriptive study and conducted between December 2015 and June 2016, with 202 patients in 20 intensive care units of 6 hospitals in Turkey. Data were collected via Data Collection Form and Bedside Oral Exam guide. Oral health assessment of patients was made using a source of light and a tongue depressor. Results We observed a significant difference in score of the Bedside Oral Exam guide by age, consciousness, type of respiration and feeding, the frequency of oral health, the total number of drugs, and technique of oral care ( P < 0.05). None of the intensive care units were using the oral assessment guide. Conclusion The result of this study shows that there are various risk factors that adversely affect the oral health of intensive care unit patients. Nurses should undertake assessments on the basis of oral care protocols for patients at risk and carry out evidence‐based individualized oral care applications.