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A ventilator is a machine that helps a patient breathe by giving oxygen through a tube. The tube can be placed in a patient’s mouth, nose, or through a hole in the front of the neck. The tube is connected to a ventilator. A ventilator associated event (VAE) is a lung condition that may occur in someone who is on a ventilator.
Causes for Getting a VAE
VAE is one type of hospital-acquired infection. There are many reasons a patient may get a VAE. These reasons may include:
Stress on the body.
Medicines that change the normal bacteria in the body.
Medicines that make it harder for patients to clear their lungs and airways.
Being on a ventilator for a long time.
To Reduce the Chance of VAE
We keep the head of the bed raised between 30° to 45° degrees unless other health problems do not allow this.
We suction when needed. It is normal for saliva to collect inside the mouth and inside the breathing tube. As this fluid collects it can grow bacteria and may cause VAE. Were move this fluid from the mouth and breathing tube when needed.
We brush the patient’s teeth and clean the inside of their mouth a few times each day.
We reduce acid in the patient’s stomach with medicines.
We give medicines to help keep the patient calm and comfortable while letting them stay awake as much as they can. This is so the patient can betaken off the ventilator sooner.
We clean our hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after touching the patient or the ventilator.
Why Oral Care Is Important
Teeth can hold onto bacteria that may cause the normal bacteria to change. Oral care can decrease this while your family member is on the ventilator.
Why We Don’t use Normal Toothpaste
We use a special mouth rinse that has been shown to decrease the risk of getting a VAE.
How to Help Lower the Chance of VAE
Please clean your hands before you enter your family member’s room and when you leave the room. Hand sanitizer is in each patient room and in the hallway.
