Table 2.
Nurses' knowledge on VAP non-drug preventive measures: pre- and post-intervention phases
| Preventive measures grouped in categories | Scientific knowledge | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Preinterv. (n = 48; %) | Postinterv. (n = 31; %) | p value | |
| 1. Procedure for aspirating endotracheal secretions | |||
| Hand washing before | 89·6 | 100 | 0·063 |
| Hand washing after | 89·6 | 100 | 0·063 |
| Using a sterile catheter | 75 | 83·9 | 0·349 |
| Aseptic manipulation | 75 | 83·9 | 0·349 |
| Changing the catheter for consecutive aspirations | 75 | 83·9 | 0·349 |
| 2. Control/reduction in gastric reflux | |||
| Smallest possible calibre nasogastric tube | 54·2 | 71 | 0·135 |
| Headboard angle 30°–45° | 97·9 | 96·7 | 0·133 |
| Controlling gastric retention | 81·3 | 77·4 | 0·679 |
| 3. Preventing microaspiration of subglottic secretions | |||
| Controlling the aspiration of subglottic secretions | 54·2 | 77·4 | 0·036 |
| Clearing subglottic secretions | 54·2 | 77·4 | 0·036 |
| Controlling the patency of subglottic drainage | 54·2 | 77·4 | 0·036 |
| Endotracheal tube cuff pressure between 22 and 28 mm Hg | 91·7 | 87·1 | 0·551 |
| 4. Oropharyngeal hygiene | |||
| Oral hygiene with 0·12% chlorhexidine | 12·5 | 93·5 | 0·001 |
| 5. Controlling the external fixation of the endotracheal tube | |||
| Recording the fixation number | 81·30 | 87·10 | 0·494 |