The nurse is attempting to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in a newly intubated patient. Which activities would best support this goal?
a. Brushing teeth with chlorhexidine at least every 8 hours
b. Maintaining the endotracheal pressure at 10 cm H2O
c. Positioning the patient flat during tube feedings
d. Repositioning the patient every 4 hours
A
Oral care with chlorhexidine decreases the colonization of bacteria. Brushing the teeth also helps removes plaque, which can harbor bacteria. The endotracheal cuff pressure should be at 20 cm H2O to decrease movement of secretions to the lower airways. The patient should be elevated during tube feedings to prevent aspiration, which can lead to VAP. The patient needs to be repo-sitioned every 2 hours.
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a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4
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