Which practice reduces the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia?

• A. Regular oral care with chlorhexidine
• B. Reduce oral hygiene
• C. Avoid chlorhexidine
• D. Increase sedation

Answer: (A)

Regular oral care with chlorhexidine reduces ventilator-associated pneumonia by lowering the amount of bacteria in the oropharynx that can be aspirated into the lungs. In intubated patients, the mouth can harbor a higher bacterial load, and microaspiration around the endotracheal tube is a key route for infection. Using chlorhexidine as part of routine oral hygiene decreases colonization and the subsequent risk of pneumonia, and it’s supported by clinical guidelines as a preventive measure in the ventilated population.

Removing or reducing oral hygiene would allow more bacteria to accumulate, increasing VAP risk. Avoiding chlorhexidine removes a proven antiseptic step, leading to higher colonization. Increasing sedation tends to prolong mechanical ventilation and suppress airway defenses, which also raises the risk of VAP.