Evidence-based nursing strategies to prevent ventilator-acquired pneumonia

Mechanically ventilated patients are at risk of developing ventilator-acquired pneumonia (VAP). Critical care nurses working with intubated patients need to adopt strategies to prevent VAP within their clinical practice. VAP results from microaspiration of colonized secretions (the colonization of the aerodigestive tract by gram-negative bacteria found in the nares, oropharynx, sinus cavities, and the bacteria on dental plaque). This article is an overview of the risk factors, pathophysiology, and current strategies needed to prevent the occurrence of VAP, with focus specifically on the importance of oral health and oral care. Critical care nurses should promote the development and implementation of evidence-based oral care protocols and treatment regimens into their clinical areas to reduce the incidence and prevalence of VAP.