Overview
Clinical Meaning
Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) develops = 48 hours after endotracheal intubation, with an incidence of 5 15% of mechanically ventilated patients.
FNP
FNP
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) develops >= 48 hours after endotracheal intubation, with an incidence of 5-15% of mechanically ventilated patients. Pathogenesis involves aspiration of colonized oropharyngeal or gastric secretions around the ETT cuff into the lower airways. The ETT bypasses upper airway defenses (glottis, cough reflex) and creates a conduit for bacterial migration via biofilm formation on the inner tube surface. Early-onset VAP (< 5 days) is typically caused by community organisms (S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, MSSA), while late-onset VAP (>= 5 days) involves MDR organisms: MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter, Klebsiella (ESBL-producing), Stenotrophomonas. Risk factors include reintubation, supine position, sedation depth, gastric acid suppression, and transport out of ICU. Prevention bundles have reduced VAP incidence by 40-70%.
Unlock full lesson + practice questions
4 more sections with scenarios, priorities, and review drills.
Final rapid review before practice
Next study step
Finish the lesson first, then choose a focused activity to apply what you just reviewed.
Continue studying
Sign in to save progress on this lesson.
Unlock the interactive lesson quiz with a plan that includes this FNP pathway. You can still explore topic-filtered questions from the bank hubs below.