What position should coma patients be placed in when administering oral care to prevent aspiration?

The lateral position is the most appropriate choice for placing coma patients during oral care to prevent aspiration. In this position, the patient lies on their side, which allows any fluid or debris that may enter the mouth to easily drain out rather than being inhaled into the lungs. This is critical as patients in a coma may not have the reflexes to swallow or clear their airway effectively, increasing the risk of aspiration if they are in other positions, such as supine (lying flat on their back), which can trap fluids in the throat.

When performing oral care for individuals who are unconscious or have impaired swallowing, using the lateral position enhances safety by reducing the likelihood of aspiration pneumonia, a serious complication that can arise from inhaling foreign material into the lungs. Therefore, using this position is a key practice in ensuring patient safety and promoting oral hygiene for those who are unable to care for themselves.