NAHQ CPHQ Practice Exam

To reduce the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in a critical care unit, who should be included on a quality improvement team?

1. ICU manager, respiratory therapist, and pharmacist

2. intensivist, ICU nurse, and respiratory therapist

3. pharmacist, intensivist, and infection control nurse

4. primary care physician, infection control nurse, and surgeon

The correct answer is: ICU manager, respiratory therapist, and pharmacist

Including the ICU manager, respiratory therapist, and pharmacist on the quality improvement team is the most suitable choice to reduce the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in a critical care unit. Each team member in this selection brings unique expertise to the table that aligns with preventing VAP. The ICU manager can provide oversight, leadership, and resources needed for quality improvement initiatives. The respiratory therapist can offer specialized knowledge in managing ventilation strategies and preventing respiratory complications. The pharmacist can contribute insights into appropriate antibiotic use and medication management to reduce the risk of VAP. Overall, this combination covers a range of perspectives crucial for effectively addressing VAP in a critical care setting. Among the other options: - Option B includes an intensivist, ICU nurse, and respiratory therapist, which could also be valuable members but may lack perspectives on medication management and other pertinent aspects. - Option C includes a pharmacist, intensivist, and infection control nurse, which covers essential roles but may miss out on the oversight and resource allocation aspect that an ICU manager could provide. - Option D includes a primary care physician, infection control nurse, and surgeon, who, while important in their respective areas, may not have the specific expertise needed to address VAP in a critical care unit as effectively as the team in Option A.