Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Related

Review Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF related questions and content

The nurse caring for a mechanically ventilated patient prepares to include which strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia should be into the patient’s plan of care? (Select all that apply.)

  • A. Drain condensate from the ventilator tubing away from the patient.
  • B. Elevate the head of the bed 30 to 45 degrees.
  • C. Instill normal saline as part of the suctioning procedure.
  • D. Perform regular oral care with chlorhexidine.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Drain condensate from the ventilator tubing away from the patient. This is crucial to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia as stagnant condensate can harbor harmful bacteria. By draining it away from the patient, the risk of bacterial growth and subsequent aspiration is minimized. Elevating the head of the bed (choice B) helps prevent aspiration but is not specific to preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia. Instilling normal saline during suctioning (choice C) can increase the risk of infection. Performing regular oral care with chlorhexidine (choice D) is important for oral hygiene but not directly related to preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia.