Health Associated Infections (HAI) is a major health challenge in diverse locations across the United States. Ventilator-associated pneumonia, gastrointestinal ailments, and urinary tract infections are the common types of HAIs in the U.S. Data from the American Centre for Disease Control (CDC) postulate that over 157,000 individuals contract ventilator associated pneumonia, gastrointestinal illnesses at 123,000, and UTIs at 93,000. The data further postulates that health institutions in diverse locations across the U.S admit over 2 million patients suffering from a diverse array of HAIs each year. Besides, over 100,000 patients succumb to the HAIs annually (Youngquist et al., 2007). The government further disburses over 4 billion dollars to cater for individuals suffering from various HAIs. Medical specialists argue that a large portion of the HAI is preventable. However, lack of appropriate intervention plans has led to the high proliferation of the HAIs. A critical analysis of the ventilation-associated pneumonia equips individuals with suitable knowledge on techniques that can help in addressing its prevalence.
An Overview of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Heath specialists postulate that VAP frequently occurs among patients admitted in health institutions. Patients using ventilators and in the ICU are at a higher risk of contracting the ailment unlike their counterparts in other admission rooms. A diverse array of bacteria causes the infection that leads to the death of over 4,000 individuals each year. Based on the available literature, the VAP strain is resistant to antibiotics thus endangering a patient’s life. The ailment causes severe symptoms such as chest pain, confusion, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath (Youngquist et al., 2007). Lack of an appropriate diagnosis and medication plan may further lead to the emergence of medication errors thus endangering the patient’s life.
The article further explores the preventive and biomedical perspective that helps in addressing the high proliferation of the ailment. Based on the study, pneumonia is among the recurring ailments. Therefore, an individual should take efficient rest to enhance the comprehensive recuperation from the ailment. An individual should further take sufficient fluids to hydrate the lungs thus preventing the occurrence of dry coughs. Adherence to the medication plan is also an efficient strategy that hinders the reoccurrence of the ailment (Youngquist et al., 2007). Appropriate hygiene habits further reduce the transmission of bacteria that cause the ailment.
The article further explores suitable biomedical strategy that can help in reducing the contraction of VAP among patients under breathing machines in the ICU. A longitudinal study in an ICU ward at the Mayo clinic facilitates the collection of credible insights on the strategy. The researcher argues that the adoption of a ventilation bundle is a proficient technique that helps in addressing the high proliferation of VAP among patients. As a result, nursing personnel should constantly adjust a patient’s head to facilitate efficient breathing and functioning of the body activities (Youngquist et al., 2007). The specialist should further sanitize the surroundings to prevent the existence of bacteria that may lead to the contraction of VAP. Continuous interruption of sedation and assessing the patient’s weaning habits are essential measures that help in addressing the health challenge. Medical specialists should further apply a suitable prophylaxis to reduce the patient’s risk of contracting the ailment. The study further affirms that health care experts should further focus on the formulation of an efficient medication plan to reduce the occurrence of medication errors. Patient education on how to prevent and cope with VAP is also essential in addressing the pertinent health challenge. The incorporation of the level four perspectives on the involvement of the community is also essential in reducing the prevalence of the ailment.
References
Youngquist, P., Carroll, M., Farber, M., Macy, D., Madrid, P., Ronning, J., & Susag, A. (2007). Implementing a ventilator bundle in a community hospital. The joint commission Journal on quality and patient safety, 33(4), 219-225.
Use the order calculator below and get started! Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.
[order_calculator]