Nursing knowledge to prevent pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation

Abstract

Introduction: Mechanical ventilation associated pneumonia is an entity with high mortality; it affects patients undergoing invasive respiratory assistance, with a high prevalence in intensive care units. Its diagnosis is one of the most important and difficult requirements in the patient in critical condition.

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of nurses to prevent pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit.

Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out for the diagnosis of the nursing human resource that works in the Intensive Care Unit of the Clinical Surgical University Hospital Comandante Faustino Perez Hernandez of Matanzas, on the knowledge about mechanical ventilation associated pneumonia based on the previous diagnosis, in the period from January to December 2021. The universe was made up of 62 nurses who met the inclusion criteria.

Results: The female sex, age groups from 20 to 29 years, with less than one year of work experience and level of knowledge and the need for practical guides predominated; although deficit is found in terms of basic prevention measures, among others.

Conclusions: Through the diagnosis, it was possible to identify gaps in knowledge about the management of measures to prevent mechanical ventilation associated pneumonia by the nursing staff of the Intensive Care Unit.