What is an important nursing intervention for preventing Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia?

Frequent positioning changes are a crucial nursing intervention for preventing Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP). This practice helps to improve lung function by promoting optimal ventilation and drainage of secretions from the lungs. When patients are frequently repositioned, it reduces the risk of developing atelectasis, which can occur when patients remain in the same position for too long, particularly in those who are immobile or have limited movement. Additionally, changing positions can help to prevent the accumulation of secretions in the airways, decreasing the likelihood of infection.

Moreover, proper positioning can facilitate effective coughing and deep breathing, which are vital in clearing the lungs and preventing infection. This approach is especially important for individuals who may have compromised respiratory function or are at heightened risk of pneumonia due to prolonged bed rest or mechanical ventilation.

In contrast to the other options, which would not effectively contribute to the prevention of HAP, encouraging bed rest may actually increase the risk of pneumonia due to reduced mobility, limiting hydration can lead to thicker secretions that are harder to clear from the lungs, and avoiding oral care neglects an essential practice for maintaining oral health and preventing the colonization of pathogens that could lead to respiratory infections.