THE ROLE OF NURSING IN PREVENTING VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA IN ADULT INTENSIVE CARE UNITS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the main healthcare-associated infections in Intensive Care Units (ICU), associated with increased morbidity and mortality, length of stay, and hospital costs. In this scenario, nursing plays a central role in the implementation of evidence-based preventive measures. Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence on nursing interventions in the prevention of VAP in critically ill patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in ICUs, identifying the main practices, evaluating their effectiveness, and classifying them according to their care or educational nature. Materials and methods: Integrative review conducted in the BVS, PubMed, SciELO, and CINAHL databases, including studies published between 2020 and 2025. After applying the eligibility criteria and the PRISMA 2020 protocol, 17 studies comprised the final sample. Results and discussion: Care interventions predominated, such as head-of-bed elevation, cuff pressure control, oral hygiene with mechanical friction associated with chlorhexidine, subglottic aspiration, and management of the ventilator circuit. Educational strategies and monitoring of adherence showed a relevant impact on the reduction of incidence. Final considerations: The prevention of VAP depends on the integrated and systematic application of measures, with nursing being the structuring axis of adherence to protocols and evidence-based practice.