Current situation and consideration of oral care for patients with mechanical ventilation / 中国实用护理杂志

ABSTRACT

Ventilator-associated pneumonia(VAP) is more likely to occur in patients with mechanical ventilation due to the decrease of oral self-purification ability, weakening of mucosal defense ability and translocation of oropharyngeal colonies. Oral care can reduce plaque and mucosal inflammation, improve oral function, promote oral health and effectively prevent VAP. This article reviewed the current situation of oral care for mechanical ventilation patients at home and abroad. Based on the best evidence, the evaluation of oral function, the choice of oral care solution and appliances were summarized. We suggested further improving the training system and unifying the evaluation, inspection standard and operation procedure, so as to develop the optimum oral care scheme.