Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs. These air pockets are responsible for gas exchange. When they are filled with fluid or pus they cause coughing and difficulty breathing. Many things such as aspiration, a prolonged hospital stay, bacteria, fungi or viruses including the common cold can cause pneumonia. Some of the risk factors for developing pneumonia are age over 65, weakened immune system, smokers, chronic illnesses, or people who have been on a ventilator. Complications of pneumonia include the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, pulmonary arrhythmias, fluid accumulation in the lungs, or poor oxygenation. Signs to look for are fever, sweating, cough, thick mucus, chest pain and shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, or headache. Treatment includes antibiotics, antiviral drugs, fever reducers, and cough suppressants. The question I'm focusing on today is: Does elevating the head of the bed 45 degrees from the supine position prevent aspiration and the development of pneumonia in ventilator-dependent patients? Ventilator-acquired pneumonia (VAP) is defined by the Center for Disease Control as “A pneumonia in which the patient is on mechanical ventilation for >2 calendar days on the date of the event, with the day of ventilator placement equal to Day 1" (2014). Pneumonia is an unfortunate risk factor for intubation for any length of time due to the increased possibility of aspiration. Aspiration of gastric contents is the main route for bacteria to enter the lungs. Intubation increases the patient's risk of contracting infections compared to non-intubated patients. Factors that might increase the patient's chances of developing ventilation...... middle of paper ...... be aware of the signs of developing pneumonia and intervene as soon as possible. Their role is to evaluate and make changes based on the patient's condition. In conclusion, there appear to be several inferences about the correlation between having the head of the bed raised to 45 degrees and decreasing ventilator-acquired pneumonia. Most research shows a decrease, but none has stated with absolute certainty that the practice of this intervention is effective. Research has also demonstrated decreased suction in patients who have a head of bed rated at a 45-degree angle. This is important since aspiration is a huge risk factor for developing pneumonia. Experts still strongly recommend that intubated patients be kept with the head of the bed at a 45-degree angle, unless there are contraindications. Always base interventions and positions on the specific patient.