Which of the following is a potential hazard associated with mechanical ventilation?

Barotrauma is a significant potential hazard associated with mechanical ventilation. It occurs when there is an excessive pressure gradient in the lungs, which can lead to damage to the alveoli and cause pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or other lung injuries. When mechanical ventilation is used, particularly if the settings are not properly adjusted, high levels of pressure can be applied to the lungs, resulting in overdistension and subsequent injury to the lung tissue. This highlights the importance of carefully monitoring ventilator settings and the patient’s response to ventilation to avoid complications like barotrauma.

The other potential hazards listed, while related to mechanical ventilation, do not exemplify the same direct mechanical risk. Inability to wean from sedation involves concerns about patient readiness and weaning protocols rather than a mechanical failure. Hypoxemia, while a serious complication, can arise from various causes outside of mechanical ventilation, such as lung disease or inadequate blood flow. Hypotension may also occur but is often related to patient factors or the use of sedation and medications rather than the mechanical aspects of ventilation itself. Understanding these nuances emphasizes the critical role that pressure management plays in the safety of mechanical ventilation.