Final answer:
To minimize the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia, nurses must adhere to strict infection control protocols. Non-compliance with these protocols, such as poor hand hygiene or improper patient positioning, indicates a need for further education on VAP prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), various measures should be followed thoroughly. The intervention by a new nurse that might indicate the need for further education can be any action that deviates from established sterile procedures or prevention protocols, such as improper hand hygiene, neglecting to elevate the head of the patient's bed, or failing to perform routine oral care with an antiseptic solution. Such lapses can lead to the introduction of bacteria via contaminated medical equipment, increasing the risk of VAP.
In contrast, following a checklist, similar to the one introduced by Dr. Pronovost for inserting central intravenous lines, significantly reduces the incidence of medical errors, and consequently, the risk of health care associated infections. Nurses and other health care professionals need to adhere to strict infection control practices, including regular equipment sterilization and monitoring of ventilator settings to minimize the risk of VAP.
Additionally, medical advances such as treating respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) with interventions like application of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) have increased survival rates but also necessitate stringent infection control measures to prevent VAP in vulnerable populations.