Evidence-based Practice for the Prevention of Ventilator -Associated Essay

Evidence-based Practice for the Prevention of Ventilator -Associated Pneumonia using Ventilator Bundle in Long Term Care - Essay Example The overall goal of this paper is to describe how is to prevent ventilator associated-pneumonia using ventilator bundle in the long term care. The focus area is the ventilator unit of Four Seasons Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center that comprises 35 beds. The center has its location at Rockaway Parkway, Brooklyn, New York. This involves a premiere facility that offers unparalleled medical care to the residents. They offer a wide range of services, i.e. short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, adult day health care, and the post hospital treatment, in which case they provide for an original blend of professional and exceptionally skilled nursing care that they deliver with compassion and devotion. They serve the needs and lifestyles of the community. Project Objectives At the end of my practicum project, I will be able to: 1. Determine what practices are used by long term care to prevent ventilator –associated pneumonia (VAP) 2. Develop a learning module for nurses on ventilator bundle for the prevention of ventilator –associated pneumonia (VAP). 3. Review and update the existing ventilator bundle protocol for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia in long term care. 4. Develop a sustainable prevention program for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in long term care.... The prevalence shows 22.8% for these kinds of clients. The danger to acquiring the actual pneumonia is found to go higher by10 fold in those who are under mechanical ventilation. Morbidity and mortality, hospital length of stay, and costs have all been attributed to VAP (Augustyn, 2007). The early onset VAP is in the first 3-4 days during mechanical ventilation while the late onset occurs for a period more than that. Early onset VAP is commonly caused by antibiotic-sensitive community acquired organisms like streptococcus pneumonia, haemophilus influenza, and styphylococcus aureus. Late onset of VAP is commonly caused by antibiotic resistant nosocomnial organisms like pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, acinebacter species, and enterobacter types. (Collard, et al.). This type of nonsocomial pneumonia, VAP, is a condition that requires a sensitive approach to the safety of critically ill clients. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) has designed some measures critical to handling these conditions. They are designed according to specific formats of best practices for those getting mechanical ventilation. These steps are considered feasible, safe, and cost effective for preventing VAP which include; 1.) Elevation of the head of the bed (HOB) to 30 to 45 degrees unless medically contraindicated. 2.) Continuous removal of subglottic secretions. 3.) Change of ventilator circuit no more often than every 48 hours 4.) Washing of hands before and after contact with each patient. 5.) Consistent oral care. 6.) DVT and stress prophylaxis (De los Reyes, et al. 2007). Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in a seriously ill patient considerably increases the risk of