Patient's question:
Newborn at 27 days old, diagnosed with moderate to severe HIE. The biggest issue now is that they will not swallow or suck milk and have been on tube feeding. There is a need for oral rehabilitation, but the conditions here in the hospital make it impossible to perform. How can oral rehabilitation be done, and what are the key points to pay attention to?Doctor's answer:
Before oral care, first wash your hands thoroughly. Place the baby in a semi-recumbent position and wrap a towel around the chin and under the pillow to prevent wetting clothes and bedding. Use tweezers to hold one saline-soaked cotton ball. First, clean the inner cheeks and the outer surface of the gums, then the inner surface of the gums and the tongue. Replace the cotton ball after cleaning each area to ensure hygiene. Be careful not to touch the throat to avoid causing nausea. After cleaning, wipe the face and corners of the mouth with a towel. If the lips are dry, apply petroleum jelly or edible vegetable oil.When performing oral care, all items used must be clean and sanitized before use. The solution on the cotton balls should never be excessive to prevent the infant from inhaling it into the respiratory tract. During the procedure, be gentle and ensure the cotton balls are held securely to prevent them from falling into the back of the mouth, blocking the throat, and causing breathing difficulties.