Nursing Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

This paper explores the concept of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). VAP is a significant obstacle of mechanical ventilation within intensive care units (ICU) which usually develops within 48 hours of intubation.... [ view full abstract ]

This paper explores the concept of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). VAP is a significant obstacle of mechanical ventilation within intensive care units (ICU) which usually develops within 48 hours of intubation. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung parenchyma due to the presence of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, with pseudomonas pneumonia most commonly associated with VAP. VAP is a form of pneumonia which occurs amongst mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory failure which was absent at the time of intubation. Ventilated patients lose the ability to swallow successfully as a result of inadequate closing of the glottis. Subsequently, saliva accumulates in the mouth, thus leading to the intense development of microorganisms. Ultimately, the body’s immune system responds to this overgrowth of bacteria and an infection arises.
Of significance, VAP extends patients’ duration of stay within ICU, thereby increasing hospital costs, and leads to an amplified risk of death. In addition, mortality rates are 2-3 times greater amongst patients with VAP than those without such a nosocomial infection. Prevention and early detection has improved throughout the years, yet there is still room for improvement. Regardless of the fact that there is greater access to evidence-based practice guidelines to improve the quality and safety of care, current clinical practice remains suboptimal. Nurses have a professional responsibility to promote the health and wellbeing of those in their care, in adherence with the basic ethical principles of nursing. Therefore, the provision of ideal ventilator care and the prevention of associated problems is fundamental for all patients. This paper aims to explore these prevention recommendations and their effectiveness in improving patients’ quality of life.