Guidelines for Prevention of
Nosocomial Pneumonia
1.
Disinfect
and sterilize respiratory therapy equipment and ventilator circuits per
approved guidelines and recommendations.
2.
Practice
good standard infection control precautions.
Disinfect hands when moving from a dirty area or task to a clean area or
task.
3.
Remove
endotracheal tubes, nasogastric tubes (NG), and other devices as soon as
possible.
4.
Elevate
the head of the bed at 30-45º.
5.
Vaccinate
with pneumococcal and influenza vaccines in appropriate individuals.
Full
recommendations and supporting literature are available at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/guide/CDCpneumonia_guidelines.pdf