What is one potential complication of mechanical ventilation?

What is one potential complication of mechanical ventilation?

• A. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
• B. Improved lung capacity.
• C. Increased patient comfort.
• D. Shorter recovery time.

Answer: (A)

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a recognized potential complication of mechanical ventilation. This condition occurs when a patient develops a lung infection as a result of being on a ventilator. The use of mechanical ventilation can lead to changes in normal respiratory tract defenses and introduce pathogens into the airway, increasing the risk of infection. When a patient is intubated, the endotracheal tube can disrupt the natural barriers protecting the lungs, allowing bacteria from the oral cavity or the environment to enter the lungs. This risk is amplified when ventilation is prolonged, and it often necessitates additional treatment measures such as antibiotics, which can complicate the patient's overall recovery and health status. The other options, such as improved lung capacity, increased patient comfort, and shorter recovery time, generally describe positive outcomes associated with effective mechanical ventilation but are not potential complications. In fact, while mechanical ventilation can support achieving better lung function temporarily, it is the complications like VAP that are significant concerns for clinicians managing patients requiring this support.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a recognized potential complication of mechanical ventilation. This condition occurs when a patient develops a lung infection as a result of being on a ventilator. The use of mechanical ventilation can lead to changes in normal respiratory tract defenses and introduce pathogens into the airway, increasing the risk of infection.

When a patient is intubated, the endotracheal tube can disrupt the natural barriers protecting the lungs, allowing bacteria from the oral cavity or the environment to enter the lungs. This risk is amplified when ventilation is prolonged, and it often necessitates additional treatment measures such as antibiotics, which can complicate the patient's overall recovery and health status.

The other options, such as improved lung capacity, increased patient comfort, and shorter recovery time, generally describe positive outcomes associated with effective mechanical ventilation but are not potential complications. In fact, while mechanical ventilation can support achieving better lung function temporarily, it is the complications like VAP that are significant concerns for clinicians managing patients requiring this support.