Mouth care to reduce ventilator-Associated pneumonia - Essay Example

However, in most of the patients, the VAP is caused by a combination of organisms. The diagnosis of VAP is difficult, making it difficult to account for VAP incidences. The endotracheal tube increases the risks of VAP by prevention of cough, prevention of upper airways filtering and inhibition of epiglottis and upper ways reflex actions. The most risk patients are patients over the age of 65, with underlying chronic illness. This condition is also prevalent in patients with immunosuppressant and previous pneumonia infection.

Oral hygiene The significance of a patient’s oral and nasal hygiene is overlooked in most cases, even though it is the most basic of all the nursing interventions. The use of closed suction system (CSS) contributes significantly to the reduction of these cases (Rello et al., 2010). The mouth is a host of both the normal flora and the pathogenic organisms. Most of the studies advocate the use of chlorohexidine. However, it is important to understand that overuse of this oral rinse could result in the reduction of the oral bacterial load.

This could lead to the development of chlorohexidine resistant organisms. The common suction program can be used to reduce colonization. The installation of the endotracheal tube prevents the glottis closure. . Oral hygiene is significant in prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) due to the oral factors, encouraging the colonization of the bacteria (Hutchins et al., 2009). For example, mechanically ventilated patients in neurological and intensive care units are at a higher risk of development of VAP due to factors such as decreased levels of consciousness, dry open mouth and the increased levels of micro aspiration of secretions.

Several interventions could be adopted for the prevention of VAP. However, oral hygiene is one of the most important and significant intervention. The oral care includes timed tooth brushing, in combination with the other measures can be effective in the control of this condition. Some of the best practices include education of the staff on the effectiveness of oral hygiene in reduction of VAP incidences. The study should surround the factors surrounding the reduction of colonization and aspiration.

In addition, avoidance of unnecessary antibiotics and nasal intubation in addition to oral hygiene can contribute significantly to the reduction of colonization. Maintenance of a clean healthy mouth through the prevention of plaque buildup biofilm on the teeth helps in reducing the risks associated with the development t of VAP. Oral hygiene care involves the use of mouth rinses, gel or toothbrush in combination to the aspiration of different mouth secretions can increase reduces the risk of infection with VAP.

Previous studies revealed that the use of chlorohexidine mouthwash or gelled contributes to approximately 40% reduction in the chances of development of VAP (Reagan, 2011). Some of the best practices include education of the staff on effectiveness of oral hygiene in reduction of VAP