Nursing care to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonias in adult patients

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation is a serious complication in patients with artificial airway in intensive care units, increasing morbidity and mortality. It increases the use of antibiotics, oropharyngeal microbial resistance increasing the risk, driving the need for preventive strategies. METHODS: A review of scientific articles published between (2018-2023) in PubMed was conducted. Key terms: nursing prevention, Pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation in adults. Fourteen relevant studies were selected for analysis, looking for preventive measures of mechanical ventilation-associated pneumonia. RESULTS: Fifteen articles analyzed in the last 5 years (2018-2023), focused on prevention of mechanical ventilation-associated pneumonia. The most effective preventive measures included head-of-bed elevation, oral hygiene with chlorhexidine, subglottic suctioning, and endotracheal tube pressure control. Implementation of these strategies decreased the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia and improved the recovery of patients on mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION: Ventilator-associated pneumonia represents a challenge in intensive care units, with high mortality. Preventive measures, such as bundles of care, can reduce infections and improve patient health. Nursing staff collaboration is essential for the successful implementation of preventive strategies in older patients to reduce the risks associated with mechanical ventilation and improve care in the intensive care unit.