Keywords

Hospital-acquired infection, infection control, mechanical ventilation, mouth care, oral hygiene, respiratory intubation, ventilator-associated pneumonia

Authors

1. Booker, Staja MS, BSN, RN
2. Murff, Sharon MSN, RN, CCRN
3. Kitko, Lisa PhD, RN, CCRN
4. Jablonski, Rita PhD, RN, CRNP

Abstract

Overview: Despite the well-established association between good oral hygiene and the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), the importance of mouth care in infection control is seldom recognized. The authors discuss the pathophysiology of VAP and why oral care is crucial to its prevention. They also provide an evidence-based, step-by-step guide to providing optimal oral care for intubated patients.