Certified Respiratory Therapist Practice Exam

What practice can help reduce the incidence of ventilator-acquired pneumonia (VAP)?

1. Changing ventilator circuits every week

2. Maintaining head elevation less than 30 degrees

3. Changing ventilator circuits every 48 hours

4. Using the same circuit for multiple patients

The correct answer is: Changing ventilator circuits every 48 hours

To effectively reduce the incidence of ventilator-acquired pneumonia (VAP), it is important to maintain a strategy that minimizes infection risk. Frequent changes of ventilator circuits can be beneficial in this regard; however, altering circuits every 48 hours specifically addresses the need to limit bacterial colonization and biofilm development that can occur with prolonged circuit use. It balances the necessity for infection control with practical considerations regarding the potential stress on the patient and the resources involved in frequent changes. Ventilator circuits can harbor pathogens, and over time, they may become contaminated, thereby increasing the risk of VAP. By changing the circuits every 48 hours, it ensures that any buildup of bacteria is minimized, thus making it a more effective practice. Although maintaining proper head elevation during ventilation is important for reducing the risk of aspiration, the correct interval for circuit changes specifically is a direct action aimed at infection control. Similarly, changing circuits weekly is less frequent than optimal care would dictate for high-risk ventilated patients. Recycling circuits between patients is not advisable, as this practice increases the risk of cross-contamination and infection spread. The focus on changing circuits at a defined interval is a key practice in VAP prevention.