• Melek Yildiz, Zehra Durna, and Semiha Akin.
• Memorial Hospital, Infection Control Department, Istanbul, Turkey.
• J Clin Nurs. 2013 Oct 1; 22 (19-20): 2734-47.

Aims And ObjectivesTo assess the oral hygiene needs and the status of the oral mucus membranes of patients being treated in an intensive care unit and to determine the personal- or treatment-related variables associated with oral hygiene and the status of the oral mucus membranes of patients.BackgroundOral hygiene has an impact on the clinical outcomes and well-being of critically ill patients.DesignA descriptive, cross-sectional design was used.MethodThe study was conducted in the intensive care unit of a private hospital located in Istanbul. The study sample consisted of 60 patients treated in the intensive care unit for five consecutive days. Oral assessments were conducted once per day every morning for five days. The oral assessments were performed using the Oral Assessment Tool and Oral Assessment Checklist.ResultsThe oral hygiene status and the health of the oral mucus membranes improved over the consecutive five-day assessments, and the routine oral care provided by nurses in the intensive care unit was effective in preventing oral mucus membrane-related complications.ConclusionsThe frequency of oral care and oral moistening should be determined according to the patient's condition and the presence of risk factors for oral complications. Oral mucus membranes should be assessed closely and systematically in all critically ill patients who are mechanically ventilated, are receiving oxygen therapy, are undergoing invasive procedures, have a history of chronic health problems or are receiving enteral or parenteral nutrition.Relevance To Clinical PracticeTo prevent infections or complications during intensive care treatment, it is important for nurses working in critical care units to develop and implement oral care assessments and evidence-based oral care protocols.© 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

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