When providing care to a client with an endotracheal tube, how often should mouth care be performed?

Performing mouth care for a client with an endotracheal tube is vital in preventing complications such as ventilator-associated pneumonia and maintaining oral hygiene. The recommended practice is to conduct mouth care every 2 hours. This frequent care helps to clear secretions and reduce the risk of infection, while also providing comfort to the patient. The 2-hour interval is often emphasized because it balances the need for thorough oral hygiene with the practical considerations of patient care in a clinical setting.

In contrast, longer intervals such as every 4, 8, or even once every hour would not adequately address the ongoing accumulation of oral secretions or debris that can occur in intubated patients. Maintaining proper hygiene is integral to promoting overall health and preventing complications in these high-risk individuals.