Which is a listed risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia?

• A. High oral hygiene
• B. Short ventilation
• C. Prolonged mechanical ventilation
• D. Upright positioning

Answer: (C)

Prolonged mechanical ventilation is a major factor that increases the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia. When a patient remains intubated for a longer period, there’s more opportunity for bacteria from the oropharynx to bypass normal airway defenses and be aspirated into the lungs. The endotracheal tube can also harbor biofilm, which serves as a reservoir for pathogens that can seed the lower airways over time. This time-related exposure makes prolonged ventilation a listed risk factor.

In contrast, good oral hygiene helps reduce risk, short ventilation limits exposure time, and upright positioning lowers aspiration risk, so those are not risk factors in the same way.