What should the nurse aide do if a client reports that oral care last occurred 2 days ago?

When a client reports that their oral care last occurred 2 days ago, notifying the nurse in charge is the appropriate course of action. This response is essential because it ensures that the client's needs are addressed in a timely manner. Oral hygiene is a critical aspect of patient care; neglecting it can lead to various complications, including discomfort, bad breath, and potential oral infections.

By informing the nurse, the aide facilitates a collaborative approach to care, allowing the nurse to assess the situation further and determine the best steps to take. This could include arranging for immediate oral care or assessing the patient's overall health status to ensure other needs are met.

Documentation of the client's claim is important, but it comes after properly reporting it to the nurse. Simply ignoring the concern if the client appears fine overlooks the potential risk of inadequate oral hygiene and does not prioritize the client's reported needs. Performing oral care immediately can be beneficial, but the best practice is to follow protocols by notifying the nurse first, especially in cases where care frequency standards may have been neglected.