What action should a nurse take to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) for a client on mechanical ventilation?

To effectively reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) for a client on mechanical ventilation, it is essential to monitor oral secretions regularly. Monitoring for oral secretions every 2 hours helps to identify and address any accumulation of secretions that could potentially be aspirated into the lungs, leading to infection. Maintaining oral hygiene and ensuring that oral secretions are managed helps to minimize the risk of bacteria entering the respiratory tract, which is a key factor in the development of VAP.

In contrast, while reducing sedation can improve the patient's ability to clear secretions and improve overall lung function, it is not the most direct intervention to immediately reduce VAP risk. Increasing the head of the bed to 90 degrees is beneficial for preventing aspiration, but it is often recommended to elevate the head of the bed to at least 30 to 45 degrees rather than a full 90 to strike a balance between safety and comfort. Lastly, limiting oral care frequency to once per shift would not provide adequate oral hygiene, which is crucial in the prevention of VAP. More frequent oral care is typically recommended to reduce bacterial colonization in the mouth and throat. Regular monitoring of oral secretions aligns with evidence-based practices to minimize the risk of VAP