Surgery>>>>>Patient Safety
Question 14#

Tracheostomy may decrease the incidence of VAP, overall length of ventilator time, and the number of iCU patient days when performed:

A. Before the fifth day of ventilator support
B. Before the 10th day of ventilator support
C. Before the 15th day of ventilator support
D. Before the 20th day of ventilator support

Correct Answer is B

Comment:

Although not without risk, tracheostomy decreases the pulmonary dead space and provides for improved pulmonary toilet. When performed before the 1Oth day of ventilatory support, tracheostomy may decrease the incidence of VAP, the overall length of ventilator time, and the number of ICU patient days.