The nurse is caring for an unresponsive patient who has a nasogastric tube in place for continuous tube feedings.Why does the nurse assess the patient's oral hygiene?

A) It helps prevent gingivitis.
B) It may cause glossitis.
C) It may lead to halitosis.
D) It causes tongue coating.

Early identification of poor oral hygiene practices and common oral problems reduces the risk for gum disease and dental caries.Patients frequently develop common oral problems as a result of inadequate oral care or as a consequence of disease (e.g. ,oral malignancy)or as a side effect of treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.These problems include receding gum tissue,inflamed gums (gingivitis),coating of the tongue,glossitis (inflammation of the tongue),discoloration of teeth (particularly along gum margins),dental caries,missing teeth,and halitosis (foul-smelling breath).