Which of the following is NOT a typical sign of ventilator-associated pneumonia?

• A. Fever.
• B. Leukocytosis.
• C. Purulent secretions.
• D. Hypotension.

Answer: (D)

Ventilator-associated pneumonia usually presents with signs pointing to a lung infection in a patient on mechanical ventilation: fever, an elevated white blood cell count (or leukocytosis), and purulent airway secretions, often alongside a new or worsening infiltrate on chest imaging and declining oxygenation. Low blood pressure is not a typical sign of VAP itself; it suggests systemic involvement such as sepsis or septic shock rather than the pulmonary signs that define VAP. It may occur if the infection becomes severe, but it isn’t part of the classic VAP pattern.