NURSING INTERVENTION IN THE PREVENTION OF PNEUMONIA RELATED TO MECHANICAL VENTILATION

Abstract

The article addresses Ordinance No. 2,616 of 1998, issued by the Ministry of Health, which regulates the Hospital Infection Control Program (HICP) and defines Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) as infections acquired after patient admission. Pneumonia, especially Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP), is a global concern and is one of the leading causes of death from infection. In the US, VAP is one of the causes of complications in UTIs, and in Brazil, the Unified Health System records a high incidence of hospitalization. VAP is largely caused by the aspiration of secretions, increasing mortality in patients on mechanical ventilation and raising hospital costs. Risk factors for involvement include the patient's condition, prolonged use of mechanical ventilation, and infection by resistant pathogens, such as Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter spp. COFEN Resolution 736/2024 reinforces the role of nurses in implementing the Nursing Process (NP), which involves essential steps for the control and prevention of five infections, including VAP. However, there are challenges in implementing the NP due to resistance from professionals and the complexity of standardized language systems. Patient safety, especially in nursing surveillance, is essential to prevent VAP and reduce prolonged hospitalization. The study aims to present updated practices for the care and prevention of VAP in adult patients on mechanical ventilation, highlighting the importance of monitoring and the role of the nursing team in improving patient safety.