Which client would be most at risk for alterations in oral health?

A client with a nasogastric (NG) tube is at the greatest risk for alterations in oral health because the tube bypasses normal oral intake, which typically stimulates salivary flow and mechanically cleanses the mouth. Without regular fluid and food passing through the oral cavity, saliva production decreases, creating a dry environment where bacteria proliferate rapidly. Additionally, clients with NG tubes are often NPO, meaning they receive no oral fluids, and the tube itself can cause mouth breathing, further drying the mucous membranes. This combination dramatically increases the risk of stomatitis, parotitis, dental caries, and mucosal breakdown. A breast-fed infant receives frequent oral stimulation and hydration, which supports oral health. A pregnant woman may experience increased gingival sensitivity due to hormonal changes but is not at the highest overall risk compared to an NG tube client. A healthy young adult with normal oral intake has the lowest risk of oral health alterations, assuming routine hygiene practices are followed. Among all the options, the NG tube client presents the most compromised set of factors affecting oral health, making this the priority answer. Nurses caring for NG tube clients should implement frequent oral care — at least every two to four hours — to maintain mucosal integrity and prevent infection.