VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA - CLINICAL-SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Pneumonia is the second most common nosocomial infection in the United States and the leading cause of death from nosocomial infections. Int ubation and mechanical ventilation greatly increase the risk of bacter ial pneumonia. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) occurs in a patie nt treated with mechanical ventilation, and it is neither present nor developing at the time of intubation; it is a serious problem-with sig nificant morbidity and mortality rates. Aspiration of bacteria from th e oropharynx, leakage of contaminated secretions around the endotrache al tube, patient position, and cross-contamination from respiratory eq uipment and health care providers are important factors in the develop ment of VAP. Nurses caring for patients treated with mechanical ventil ation must recognize risk factors and include strategies for reducing these factors as part of their nursing care. This article summarizes t he literature related to VAP: its incidence, associated factors, diagn osis, and current therapies, with an emphasis on nursing implications in the care of these patients.