Advisor(s)
Megan Lieb, DNP
Ohio Northern University
Nursing, Health & Behavioral Sciences
m-lieb.2@onu.edu
Jamie Hunsicker, DNP
Ohio Northern University
Nursing, Health & Behavioral Sciences
j-hunsicker@onu.edu
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
22-4-2022 1:00 PM
End Date
22-4-2022 2:00 PM
Abstract
Problem: Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a severe complication that occurs within mechanically ventilated patients. Despite initiatives to decrease complications of mechanical ventilation, VAP continues to occur in critically ill patients.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of oral care in reducing the number of patient’s in the ICU who develop VAP.
Methods: This project uses a three part quasi-experimental retrospective study design. The participants include mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU and the nurses taking care of them. The oral care kits used in this study consists of chlorhexidine, suction swabs, suction brushes, and mouth moisturizer. Following the intervention, the evidence of VAP will be evaluated by sputum cultures, WBC counts, core temperature, and X-ray. The incidence of VAP on the unit will be compared pre-implementation and post-implementation.
Conclusion: Implementing oral care in the plan of care of mechanically ventilated patients will decrease the incidence of VAP. Consequently, these patients will have a decreased duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay in the ICU. Overall, the implementation of oral care will improve patient outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Waugh, Alexandra Ann, "The Effects of Oral Care in Reducing the Incidence of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Mechanically Ventilated Patients in the ICU" (2022). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 33.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2022/posters/33
The Effects of Oral Care in Reducing the Incidence of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Mechanically Ventilated Patients in the ICU
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Problem: Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a severe complication that occurs within mechanically ventilated patients. Despite initiatives to decrease complications of mechanical ventilation, VAP continues to occur in critically ill patients.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of oral care in reducing the number of patient’s in the ICU who develop VAP.
Methods: This project uses a three part quasi-experimental retrospective study design. The participants include mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU and the nurses taking care of them. The oral care kits used in this study consists of chlorhexidine, suction swabs, suction brushes, and mouth moisturizer. Following the intervention, the evidence of VAP will be evaluated by sputum cultures, WBC counts, core temperature, and X-ray. The incidence of VAP on the unit will be compared pre-implementation and post-implementation.
Conclusion: Implementing oral care in the plan of care of mechanically ventilated patients will decrease the incidence of VAP. Consequently, these patients will have a decreased duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay in the ICU. Overall, the implementation of oral care will improve patient outcomes.