Vap

Neuro ICU nurses: What do you think about increased VAP

due to the patients lying flat for multiple CATT scans and repeated angios possibly causing aspiration??

Neuro ICU nurses: What do you think about increased VAP

due to the patients lying flat for multiple CATT scans and repeated angios possibly causing aspiration??

Honestly, I'd never thought of that. I don't think most vented patients could be positioned lying at 30 degrees in a CT scanner because the head wouldn't be centred in the gantry. I'm sure a 30 degree position would be possible in our angio suite (biplanar with 3D reconstruction). I also think the incidence of VAP may be decreased by suctioning and cleansing the oral cavity before transferring the patient to the CT or angio table. If a patient with an ETT must remain supine (for whatever reason), maybe placing a couple of throat packs (or any easily removable absorbent swab) might help -- might need McGill forceps. Great point though!

Neuro.

This may be a stupid question. But im reading up on VAP, and it says that we would want to use an orogastric tube instead of a naso gastric to reduce the patients risk of getting VAP. Im trying to figure it out but i can't function without coffee. Can someone help me out as to why we would use the orogastric tube. thanks in advance.

oral gastric tubes decrease the changes of sinus infections. By bypassing the nose you deminish the risk.