What are common complications associated with mechanical ventilation?

Mechanical ventilation, while a lifesaving intervention, can lead to several complications due to the nature of its function and the physiological stress it imposes on the body. Barotrauma occurs when excess pressure in the lungs leads to alveolar rupture, resulting in pneumothorax or other serious issues. Volutrauma refers to lung injury caused by over-distension of the alveoli, which can result from inappropriate tidal volumes or pressures set on the ventilator.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a significant risk due to the presence of endotracheal tubes, which can serve as a pathway for bacteria, allowing infections to develop in the lungs. Furthermore, airway trauma can occur as a result of prolonged intubation, manipulating the airway, or improper tube placement, leading to complications such as tracheal stenosis or injury.

While other choices do mention potential health issues, they do not specifically address the complications directly associated with mechanical ventilation. For example, dehydration and low blood sugar can occur in critically ill patients but are not exclusive to those receiving ventilatory support. Muscle atrophy and joint stiffness can result from immobility, but again, they are not direct complications of mechanical ventilation itself. Tachycardia and hypertension might be observed in response to stress