What is a common complication of mechanical ventilation?

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is indeed a common complication of mechanical ventilation due to several factors associated with the invasive nature of the procedure. When patients are mechanically ventilated, they often require an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy, which bypasses the normal airway defenses, making the lungs more susceptible to infection. The presence of the tube allows for colonization of bacteria in the upper airways and lungs, and when pathogens enter the lower respiratory tract, it can lead to pneumonia.

Additionally, the process of mechanical ventilation may also impair normal mucociliary clearance, further increasing the risk of aspiration and subsequent infection. Poor oral hygiene in ventilated patients can contribute to the buildup of biofilm and bacteria, which can complicate their care and lead to VAP. This complication is associated with increased morbidity, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and extended hospital stays, which highlights the importance of implementing strategies to prevent it, such as maintaining head-of-bed elevation, performing regular oral care, and using appropriate sedation practices.

In terms of the other potential complications, while myocardial infarction, oxygen toxicity, and respiratory alkalosis can occur under certain circumstances associated with mechanical ventilation, they are not as universally prevalent or directly linked to the act of mechanically ventilating