2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase
Oral Care and Ventilator Associated Pneumonia in the ICU
Document Type
Student Presentation
Presentation Date
4-24-2026
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Lucy Zhao
Abstract
Purposes:
The purpose of this review of literature is to examine nursing interventions specifically the effectiveness of chlorhexidine use in oral care in preventing ventilator acquired pneumonia (VAP).
Background:
(VAP) is a type of hospital acquired pneumonia that occurs when a ventilator is left in place for a long period of time. After patients have been on a ventilator for more than 48 hours, about one-third of patients get VAP. Acquiring VAP decreases the likelihood of positive outcomes and delays the healing process.
Methods:
We searched PubMed, ProQuest, and CINAHL to find primary peer-viewed nursing studies published from 2020-2025 using keywords like chlorhexidine, oral care, and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Ten articles were included in the final review.
Results:
The findings reported in the literature were not consistent across studies. However, most studies did show that oral care with chlorhexidine does decrease incidence of VAP. Evidence from certain studies indicated that using chlorhexidine reduced the incidence of VAP from 25% down to 19%.
Implications:
Critically ill patients are acquiring infections simply from being on mechanical ventilation. Using new oral care methods such as brushing with chlorhexidine can significantly reduce ventilator associated pneumonia and should be implemented in hospital policy and protocol.
Recommended Citation
Shoffner, Lauren; Zhao, Lucy; Leonard, McKenna; Nall, Maddi; Rodriguez, Jacy; and Yowell, Katie, "Oral Care and Ventilator Associated Pneumonia in the ICU" (2026). 2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase. 191.
https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/under_showcase_2026/191