Which practice is emphasized in the Vent Bundle for reducing hospital-acquired infections?

The Vent Bundle is a set of evidence-based practices designed to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and reduce other hospital-acquired infections in patients requiring mechanical ventilation. One of the key components of this bundle is oral care, specifically utilizing chlorhexidine for mouth care. Studies have shown that chlorhexidine is effective in reducing the bacterial load in the oral cavity, which can help prevent the aspiration of secretions that may lead to pneumonia.

By regularly performing mouth care with chlorhexidine, healthcare providers can significantly decrease the risk of infection, as it helps maintain oral hygiene and minimizes the presence of pathogens in the mouth. This practice is thus a critical element in enhancing patient safety and quality of care within critical care settings.