What is one of the risks associated with mechanical ventilation?

Mechanical ventilation is a critical intervention for patients who cannot breathe adequately on their own, but it comes with several risks. One significant risk associated with mechanical ventilation is the high risk of barotrauma secondary to air trapping. Barotrauma occurs when there is excessive pressure in the lungs, which can lead to alveolar rupture, pneumothorax, or other complications. This risk is exacerbated in patients with conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where air trapping can occur. The inability to fully exhale leads to inflated volumes of air in the lungs, which, when combined with positive pressure ventilation, can easily push lung tissue beyond its limits and cause damage.

In contrast, other options present different implications. The mention of low risk of barotrauma does not reflect the reality of mechanical ventilation, particularly in patients with already compromised lung function. While direct lung injury from high volume breaths can occur, it's generally associated with settings that specifically use high tidal volumes, which can be managed to mitigate that risk. Decreased respiratory effort can also be a consequence of mechanical ventilation, but it's a result of the intervention rather than a direct risk like barotrauma. Understanding these nuances helps clarify why the risk of barotrauma due to