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When a patient is diagnosed with a certain medical condition, the use of a ventilator may be employed to help that patient breathe during treatment or his or her hospital stay. Though this type of technology is meant to be beneficial to a patient's health, often times it can be dangerous if certain practices are no performed. One of the most common complications associated with ventilators is ventilator-associated pneumonia, which is likely fatal when acquired.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), pneumonia can occur if an individual has been on a ventilator for more than 48 hours. In comparison to other patients, those who use ventilators are 6 to 21 times more likely to develop pneumonia than those who use other methods of breathing control. Because there is tremendous risk associated with this device, it is imperative that doctors, nurses and other medical professionals adhere to the strictest standards in caring for ventilated patients.
There are certain behaviors that can often increase the chance for the contraction of pneumonia, such as a lack of hand washing or placing the patient at an unsafe angle in his or her hospital bed. Also, doctors should consider other forms of breathing assistance if he or she knows the patient will need it for an extended period of time, such as a tracheostomy.
Symptoms of ventilator-associated pneumonia can include:
- Fever
- Increase in white blood cell count
- Changes in the patient's x-rays
If a medical professional suspects a patient has symptoms of this condition, he or she should perform a culture to determine which antibiotics should be used to treat the pneumonia. If this is not done or the wrong medication is administered, medical malpractice may have occurred. If you or someone you love has experienced malpractice it is important to speak with a lawyer immediately. Because each case has its own individual circumstances and characteristics, an attorney will be able to evaluate your claim's viability in court and begin formulating your strategy for court.
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To learn more about ventilator-associated pneumonia, visit the web site of the Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today.
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