What it means
A pneumonianoo-MOHN-yuhAn infection of one or both lungs in which the air sacs fill with fluid or pus.pneum/o lung, air-ia conditionFull entry that develops in a client on mechanical ventilationmeh-KAN-ih-kul ven-tuh-LAY-shunBreathing support from a machine, a ventilator, that pushes air into the lungs through a tube or a mask.Full entry through an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube. The tube lets germs from the mouth and stomach get past the body's normal defenses into the lungs. It is one of the most common infections caught in intensive care units and makes a hospital stay longer and more dangerous.
For the nurse
Prevention bundle: keep the head of the bed raised 30 to 45 degrees unless that is not allowed, give regular oral care, take part in daily breaks from sedation and checks of readiness to come off the ventilator, suction with clean technique and do hand hygiene. Report new fever, thicker or colored secretions and falling oxygen levels.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | VAP |
|---|---|
| Spanish | neumonía asociada al ventilador |
| Also written | VAP |
Related terms
intensive care unit
A hospital unit that gives close, constant care to people who are critically ill.
endotracheal intubation
Putting a breathing tube through the mouth or nose into the windpipe (trachea).
pneumonia
An infection of one or both lungs in which the air sacs fill with fluid or pus.
mechanical ventilation
Breathing support from a machine, a ventilator, that pushes air into the lungs through a tube or a mask.