Self Directed Learning Package - University of Queensland

147 • Self Directed Learning Package - CareworkerOral care in the final days of lifeIn the final scenes of the “All on the same page” DVD, Alfred hasonly hours or days left to live. He cannot swallow food or fluids,is very drowsy, and breathes through his mouth. His tongue andlips are dry.Thinking pointThink about when you have a dry mouth. When youmoisten it with water, how long does it take untilthe dryness returns? Not very long? Perhaps fiveminutes?Imagine you are Alfred who relies on you to providethis comfort measure for him.As a resident approaches death they lose the ability to feedthemselves or have a drink. Eventually swallowing becomesdifficult and unsafe. Functionally they cannot clean their teethor oral cavity by themselves. Often this is when a ‘mouth care’trolley or tray is seen in the resident’s room.Key PointEvery time you attend to a resident:Apply dry mouth products: e.g. water spray, oral balance gel orliquid via mouth swabs.Apply water based lip moisturisers: Do not use petroleum basedproducts (e.g. vaseline) as they canincrease the risk of inflammationand aspiration pneumonia; alsocontraindicated during oxygentherapy. 10Key PointSome preparations may damage oral tissues orincrease the risk of infection.Do not use mouthwashes and swabs containing:• lemon and glycerine• sodium bicarbonate (high strength)• preparations containing alcohol (Listerinemouthwash) or hydrogen peroxide• pineapple or other acidic fruit juices. 10