This document discusses healthcare associated infections (HAIs) in the United States, specifically ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). It notes that over 157,000 people contract VAP yearly, and over 4,000 die from it. VAP often occurs in intensive care unit patients using ventilators. The document then explores preventive measures that can be taken to address high rates of VAP, such as keeping patients' heads adjusted to facilitate breathing, regularly sanitizing surroundings, and using a ventilation bundle approach developed at the Mayo Clinic. It stresses the importance of prevention efforts, accurate diagnosis, and treatment adherence in addressing VAP.

1. Running head: HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS
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Healthcare Associated Infections
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Healthcare Associated Infections
Health Associated Infections (HAI) is a major health challenge in diverse locations
across the United States. Ventilator-associated pneumonia, gastrointestinal ailments, and
urinary tract infections are the common types of HAIs in the U.S. Data from the American
Centre for Disease Control (CDC) postulate that over 157,000 individuals contract ventilator
associated pneumonia, gastrointestinal illnesses at 123,000, and UTIs at 93,000. The data
further postulates that health institutions in diverse locations across the U.S admit over 2
million patients suffering from a diverse array of HAIs each year. Besides, over 100,000
patients succumb to the HAIs annually (Youngquist et al., 2007). The government further
disburses over 4 billion dollars to cater for individuals suffering from various HAIs. Medical
specialists argue that a large portion of the HAI is preventable. However, lack of appropriate
intervention plans has led to the high proliferation of the HAIs. A critical analysis of the
ventilation-associated pneumonia equips individuals with suitable knowledge on techniques
that can help in addressing its prevalence.
An Overview of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Heath specialists postulate that VAP frequently occurs among patients admitted in
health institutions. Patients using ventilators and in the ICU are at a higher risk of contracting
the ailment unlike their counterparts in other admission rooms. A diverse array of bacteria
causes the infection that leads to the death of over 4,000 individuals each year. Based on the
available literature, the VAP strain is resistant to antibiotics thus endangering a patient’s life.
The ailment causes severe symptoms such as chest pain, confusion, cough, fatigue, and
shortness of breath (Youngquist et al., 2007). Lack of an appropriate diagnosis and
medication plan may further lead to the emergence of medication errors thus endangering the
patient’s life.

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The article further explores the preventive and biomedical perspective that helps in
addressing the high proliferation of the ailment. Based on the study, pneumonia is among the
recurring ailments. Therefore, an individual should take efficient rest to enhance the
comprehensive recuperation from the ailment. An individual should further take sufficient
fluids to hydrate the lungs thus preventing the occurrence of dry coughs. Adherence to the
medication plan is also an efficient strategy that hinders the reoccurrence of the ailment
(Youngquist et al., 2007). Appropriate hygiene habits further reduce the transmission of
bacteria that cause the ailment.
The article further explores suitable biomedical strategy that can help in reducing the
contraction of VAP among patients under breathing machines in the ICU. A longitudinal
study in an ICU ward at the Mayo clinic facilitates the collection of credible insights on the
strategy. The researcher argues that the adoption of a ventilation bundle is a proficient
technique that helps in addressing the high proliferation of VAP among patients. As a result,
nursing personnel should constantly adjust a patient’s head to facilitate efficient breathing
and functioning of the body activities (Youngquist et al., 2007). The specialist should further
sanitize the surroundings to prevent the existence of bacteria that may lead to the contraction
of VAP. Continuous interruption of sedation and assessing the patient’s weaning habits are
essential measures that help in addressing the health challenge. Medical specialists should
further apply a suitable prophylaxis to reduce the patient’s risk of contracting the ailment.
The study further affirms that health care experts should further focus on the formulation of
an efficient medication plan to reduce the occurrence of medication errors. Patient education
on how to prevent and cope with VAP is also essential in addressing the pertinent health
challenge. The incorporation of the level four perspectives on the involvement of the
community is also essential in reducing the prevalence of the ailment.

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References
Youngquist, P., Carroll, M., Farber, M., Macy, D., Madrid, P., Ronning, J., & Susag, A.
(2007). Implementing a ventilator bundle in a community hospital. The joint
commission Journal on quality and patient safety, 33(4), 219-225.