Effective treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia can be ensured by diagnosis based on findings from which of the following?

a. Chest radiographs
b. Hematological studies
c. Bronchial alveolar lavage
d. Patient signs and symptoms

ANS: C
The American Thoracic Society and the Infectious Diseases Society of America suggest that quantitative cultures of the lower respiratory secretions be obtained by bronchial alveolar lavage or protected specimen brush to ensure effective treatment of patients with VAP. Chest radio-graphs, hematological studies, and patient signs and symptoms should be used to start empiric antibiotic therapy before the quantitative cultures are performed.