Utilizing Chlorhexadine Gluconate Bathing to Decrease Symptoms of Infection and Antibiotic Use in Residents on a Post-acute Ventilator/Special Needs Unit

There is an increased risk of infection in residents who live on our ventilator dependent/special needs unit. Many residents have experienced multi-system failure, stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and/or other chronic, complex medical conditions. Each resident may have multiple invasive devices that are medically necessary but allow a route for pathogens to enter the body. Multiple antibiotics are used to treat symptoms of respiratory, urinary, and/or wound infections.