*Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) 🫁💉* *Definition:* A type of pneumonia that occurs *48 hours or more after intubation* and mechanical ventilation. *Causes:* - Bacterial colonization in the lungs via the endotracheal tube - Poor oral hygiene - Aspiration of secretions - Contaminated ventilator equipment *Common Pathogens:* - *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* - *Staphylococcus aureus* (including MRSA) - *Klebsiella*, *Acinetobacter*, *Enterobacter* *Risk Factors:* - Prolonged mechanical ventilation - ICU stay - Supine positioning - Immunosuppression - Prior antibiotic use *Symptoms:* - Fever - Purulent sputum - Low oxygen levels - Chest pain - Lung crackles - New infiltrates on chest X-ray *Diagnosis:* - Chest imaging - Sputum cultures - Bronchoscopy samples (if needed) *Treatment:* - Broad-spectrum antibiotics (adjusted based on cultures) - Oxygen support - Suctioning & airway management *Prevention:* - Elevate head of bed (30–45°) - Daily sedation breaks & assessment for extubation - Oral care with chlorhexidine - Hand hygiene - Closed suction system.