Which of the following is a common complication of mechanical ventilation?

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant complication that can arise in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. This condition is primarily due to the introduction of bacteria into the lower respiratory tract, often facilitated by the presence of an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy. When mechanical ventilation is utilized, especially for prolonged periods, the protective reflexes of the upper airway are bypassed, leading to an increased risk of aspirating secretions and pathogens from the upper airway into the lungs.

The development of VAP can lead to severe respiratory complications, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Prevention strategies focus on maintaining strict aseptic techniques during intubation and care, implementing oral hygiene measures, and optimizing the positioning of the patient to reduce the risk of aspiration.

Other options, such as hypoventilation, can occur but are often the result of improperly set ventilator parameters or patient-ventilator asynchrony, which a skilled clinician can often manage. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a pre-existing condition, not a complication of mechanical ventilation itself. Pneumothorax, while a potential risk associated with invasive ventilation methods, is less common compared to VAP and is typically linked to other factors such as ventil