CARE OF THE CLIENT ON VENTILATOR


Nutrition

1. Administer as ordered
- IV fluids, meds
- Enteral feedings

2. Evaluate for
- balanced fluid intake and output
- adequate and balanced nutrition



Hygiene

1. Provide
- a rigorous, scheduled mouth care – prevents ventilator acquired pneumonia
- bed baths and skin care as necessary
- eye care, if client has decreased LOC
- meticulous perineal care to prevent yeast infections
- for the initiation of a bowel regimen with stool softeners with expected bowel movements
at least every three days

2. Skin and Muscle Integrity
- Prevent the effects of immobility by routine passive or active range of motion exercises or
get client OOB as tolerated
- Minimize decubitus ulcers by avoidance of rubbing or massaging reddened areas
- Reposition client every hour if bed ridden

3. Safety
- Apply bilateral splints as ordered to prevent footdrop and wristdrop
- Provide a safe environment - bed in low position, side rails up, call light within reach
- Initiate seizure precautions if indicated

4. Sensory Stimulation
- Provide appropriate stimulation which means to schedule groups of tasks to prevent
overstimulation
- Talk to clients before and during procedures or when any direct care or when in the room
for other reasons
- Explain procedures before beginning them
- Encourage family members to talk with clients about usual family activities
- Enhance stimulation by
- insertion of hearing aids
- a check of glasses for cloudy smeared lens then clean and put them nearby or on client
- a change of lighting in the room to mimic natural light changes
- promotion of the use of electronic battery devices such as CD – DVD – MP3 players, radio,
- television. Have maintenance check for leakage of currents before use.