The Role of Nursing Interventions in Preventing Ventilator Associated Pneumonia in ICU Settings : A Descriptive Literature Review

Abstract

This thesis studied Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP), a significant healthcare associated infection commonly seen in ICUs, which contributes to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The descriptive qualitative literature review was conducted using seven peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025. Studies were selected based on relevance language (English) and relevance to ICU and VAP prevention. Studies selected from PubMed, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. The data were analyzed and categorized to identify common nursing interventions and improve patient outcomes. Purpose of this study was to describe the role of nursing interventions for preventing Ventilator Associated pneumonia (VAP) in Intensive Care settings. And the aim of this is to produce new practical knowledge about specific nursing interventions for preventing VAP. Nursing interventions identified, including maintaining endotracheal (ETT) cuff pressure, head-of-head elevation, oral care with Chlorhexidine, aseptic suctioning, ventilator circuit maintenance, and sedation assessment. These practices were associated with decreased VAP incidence, decreased complications, reduced hospital stay, and cost. The findings emphasized that evidence-based nursing care is essential in preventing VAP and improving patient outcomes in ICU settings. The study also emphasized the need for enhanced training programs, standardized protocols, and institutional support to prevent knowledge gaps. This study provides a foundation for VAP prevention and patient outcomes.