An employee asks the occupational health nurse about measures to prevent inhalation exposure of job-related substances.

Which of the following explanations should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale
Implementing ventilator-weaning protocols is a crucial intervention in the care plan for a patient on a ventilator to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. These protocols aim to minimize the patient’s exposure to mechanical ventilation, which is a significant risk factor for developing ventilator-associated pneumonia. By systematically reducing the level of ventilatory support, these protocols facilitate the earliest possible liberation from mechanical ventilation, thereby reducing the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Choice B rationale
Providing frequent oral care is another essential intervention in preventing ventilator- associated pneumonia. Oral health can quickly deteriorate in mechanically ventilated patients, leading to an increased risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Regular oral care, including the use of antiseptics, can help reduce the number of potential respiratory pathogens in the oral cavity and prevent their aspiration into the lower respiratory tract.
Choice C rationale
Suctioning the patient every hour is not typically recommended as a standard intervention to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Over-suctioning can lead to trauma and inflammation in the airway, potentially increasing the risk of infection. Suctioning should be performed based on the patient’s needs and clinical signs, rather than on a fixed schedule.
Choice D rationale
Positioning the patient in a semi-upright position (30 to 45 degrees), rather than a prone position, is recommended to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. This position helps to reduce the risk of aspiration, which is a major risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Choice E rationale
Avoiding suctioning the patient is not a recommended strategy for preventing ventilator- associated pneumonia. Suctioning is necessary to clear secretions from the airway, and its omission could potentially increase the risk of infection. However, as mentioned earlier, suctioning should be performed based on the patient’s needs and clinical signs, rather than on a fixed schedule.

Choice A rationale
Viral pharyngitis can sometimes lead to serious complications such as peritonsillar abscess. Symptoms of this condition include drooling and inability to fully open the mouth. Therefore, patients should be advised to contact a healthcare provider immediately if they experience these symptoms.
Choice B rationale
Viral pharyngitis is contagious and can be spread through saliva. Therefore, patients should be advised to avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils with others to prevent the spread of the infection.
Choice C rationale
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, including viral pharyngitis. Therefore, taking prescribed antibiotics on time and not missing doses is not relevant in the context of viral pharyngitis.
Choice D rationale
Checking the body for skin rash twice daily is not typically necessary for patients with viral pharyngitis. While some viruses can cause a rash, it is not a common symptom of viral pharyngitis.
Choice E rationale
Drinking at least 2-3 liters of fluid per day unless contraindicated can help soothe a sore throat and prevent dehydration, which can occur if the patient has a fever or is not eating well due to the sore throat.