While performing care for a 72-year-old woman, the nurse notices that the patient has a dry, parched mouth and tongue. The nurse should

C rinse the patient's mouth with room-temperature tap water before and after meals. B use glycerin swabs to perform mouth care every 4 hours. A brush the patient's teeth with a hard-bristled toothbrush before meals and at bedtime. D use a water pick, then rinse with commercial mouthwash every 8 hours to freshen the mouth.