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Title: Aspiration pneumonia: Best practice to avoid complications

Background

Aspiration pneumonia is a lung infection due to inhaled contents; this is a relevant topic because aspiration pneumonia is prevalent and accounts for up to 15% of all pneumonia cases and is particularly common in older people, and thus it is important for nurses to be aware of how to manage the condition particularly as the population is ageing so this will be of more concern (Kwong, Howden & Charles 2011).

Target Audience

The target audience for this presentation is experienced Registered Nurses and thus the presentation has been designed for this group.

Main Findings

Aspiration pneumonia is an infection within the lungs that occurs after a person aspirates either liquid, vomit or food into the larynx and lower respiratory tract; this can occur when an individual inhales their gastric or oral contents. Patients at risk include individuals who are elderly or those who have a marked disturbance of consciousness such as that resulting from a drug overdose, seizures, a massive cerebrospinal accident, dysphagia or dysphasia (Kwong, Howden & Charles 2011).

Aspiration pneumonia can quickly develop into respiratory failure, abscess and empyema and this requires supportive care, which is the main form of therapy, however prophylactic antimicrobial therapy is also often prescribed (Joundi, Wong & Leis 2015). Best practice suggests suctioning, supplemental oxygen to keep O2 above 90%, septic shock therapy, management of hypotension and antibiotic therapy for 7-10 days. Sputum cultures should be taken so that antibiotics can be tailored appropriately (McAdams-Jones & Sundar 2012).

Implications for Practice

These findings are important for registered nurses to be aware of so that aspiration pneumonia can be managed appropriately and complications can be avoided, which could cause increased hospital stay and costs. Nurses need to be aware of the best practice recommendations such as oxygen supplementation, sit up while eating, provide thickened foods and drinks, dental care and about taking sputum cultures when managing aspiration pneumonia so that treatment can be tailored appropriately and recovery can occur quickly.

Feedback from marker (Teacher)

Thank you for your abstract.

You have just managed a pass grade, your work is very basic and you will need to engage with the basic practice literature to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of this topic in your poster.

I am also unclear on your focus, is this about prevention of aspiration or management once it has occurred or both?

Kind regards Andrea

Sources of Evidence

Joundi, R, Wong, B & Leis, J 2015, "Antibiotics "Just-In-Case" in a Patient With Aspiration Pneumonitis", JAMA Internal Medicine, vol. 175, no. 4, p. 489.

Kwong, J, Howden, B & Charles, P 2011, "New aspirations: the debate on aspiration pneumonia treatment guidelines", The Medical Journal of Australia, vol. 195, no. 7, pp. 380-381.

McAdams-Jones, D & Sundar, K 2012, "Jump into action against aspiration pneumonia", American Nurse Today, vol. 7, no. 6.