It should be noted that intubation and mechanical ventilation (MV) themselves increase the risk of pneumonia in patients by 6 to 12 times. Below are additional risk factors that contribute to the development of pneumonia during mechanical ventilation. Therefore, the following measures help reduce the incidence or prevent cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia:
• Minimize the duration of mechanical ventilation,
• Wash hands before contact with the patient,
• Avoid the use of medications that reduce stomach acidity (antacids, H2-histamine receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors),
• Decontaminate the oropharynx (daily oral care with chlorhexidine),
• Elevate the head of the patient’s bed to 30–45° unless contraindicated,
• Timely suctioning of secretions from the lower respiratory tract,
• Prevent aspiration and reduce stomach distension (use of nasogastric tube, PEG tube, or nasojejunal tube).
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