Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (Vap): the Key to Prevention
Running head: VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP): The Key to Prevention
Aleisha N. Curry
Professional Role Development II Nursing 402
Christian Brothers University
February 20, 2012
Sue Trzynka, Ph.D., RN
Introduction In the fast paced Trauma Intensive Care Unit (TICU) there are many things to remember while working with ventilated patients. Therefore, it is essential to implement practices that will decrease opportunities for adverse incidents. Ventilated patients represent about forty percent of the average daily census in the TICU. The Regional Medical Center at Memphis utilizes a ventilator bundle in order to decrease the risk of adverse events associated with the ventilator. The ventilator bundles consist of measures put in place that have proven to decrease the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). Best practice involves utilizing the bundle with every patient in order to prevent VAP. In my research I found that there are many variations of the bundle but predominate factors are consistent across the board. This paper will provide you with the premise on which the VAP bundle was created.
Background
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a form of nosocomial pneumonia that stems from a parenchymal lung infection in patients receiving mechanical ventilation for longer than forty-eight hours. The key to preventing VAP is continuous implementation of preset measures. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement developed a set of best practices (VAP bundle) that, they felt at the time, would decrease the risk of VAP. The interventions were all pathophysiologically grounded and many hospitals have adopted the preventative interventions. Some of the measures are, but are not limited only to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement measures, elevating the head of the bed (HOB) to 30º to 45º unless medically contraindicated, twice-a-day oral care, stress ulcer
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP): The Key to Prevention
Aleisha N. Curry
Professional Role Development II Nursing 402
Christian Brothers University
February 20, 2012
Sue Trzynka, Ph.D., RN
Introduction In the fast paced Trauma Intensive Care Unit (TICU) there are many things to remember while working with ventilated patients. Therefore, it is essential to implement practices that will decrease opportunities for adverse incidents. Ventilated patients represent about forty percent of the average daily census in the TICU. The Regional Medical Center at Memphis utilizes a ventilator bundle in order to decrease the risk of adverse events associated with the ventilator. The ventilator bundles consist of measures put in place that have proven to decrease the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). Best practice involves utilizing the bundle with every patient in order to prevent VAP. In my research I found that there are many variations of the bundle but predominate factors are consistent across the board. This paper will provide you with the premise on which the VAP bundle was created.
Background
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a form of nosocomial pneumonia that stems from a parenchymal lung infection in patients receiving mechanical ventilation for longer than forty-eight hours. The key to preventing VAP is continuous implementation of preset measures. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement developed a set of best practices (VAP bundle) that, they felt at the time, would decrease the risk of VAP. The interventions were all pathophysiologically grounded and many hospitals have adopted the preventative interventions. Some of the measures are, but are not limited only to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement measures, elevating the head of the bed (HOB) to 30º to 45º unless medically contraindicated, twice-a-day oral care, stress ulcer
References: Augustyn, B. (2007). Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia . Retrieved 2/19/2012, from http://ccn.aacnjournals.org/content/27/4/32.full Klompas, M (2010). Prevention of ventilator associated. Retrieved 2/20/2012, from http://www.csen.com/PNEU.pdf Tolentino-DelosReyes, A.F., Ruppert, S.D., & Shiao, S.Y.P.K. (2/23/2007). Evidence-Based Practice: Use of the Ventilator Bundle to Prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia . American Journal of Critical Care, 16(1), 20-27.