Bercault identified a number of risk factors for the development of pneumonia in patients in the intensive care unit receiving mechanical ventilation. These can help identify patients who should be monitored more closely, with early antibiotic therapy. The authors are from Hopital de la Source in Orleans, France.
Intrahospital transport often involves taking the person to the Radiology Department for imaging studies, sometimes for detection of pulmonary infiltrates. The transport of a patient on a mechanical ventilator can be difficult, offering several opportunities for aspiration.
If intrahospital transport is being contemplated for a patient, then:
(1) be sure that the potential benefit outweighs the risk
(2) take steps to ensure a safe transport without complications
(3) observe the patients for several days post-transport for signs of pneumonia
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