Which of the following is a complication of hyperglycemia in critically ill patients?

Hyperglycemia in critically ill patients is associated with several adverse effects, one of which is an increased mortality rate. Elevated blood glucose levels can lead to a hyperglycemic environment that exacerbates stress and inflammation in the body, affecting the immune response and healing processes. In critical care settings, this can result in poorer outcomes, including a higher likelihood of complications, prolonged recovery times, and ultimately, increased mortality.

In critically ill patients, hyperglycemia is linked to metabolic dysregulation and can worsen existing conditions and complications, contributing to sepsis, organ dysfunction, and other severe issues. Studies have shown that maintaining tighter glycemic control in these patients can lead to improved survival rates, demonstrating the crucial role that glucose management plays in critical care.

The other options, such as decreased length of hospital stay, improved ventilator outcomes, and lower rates of nosocomial infections, do not accurately reflect the consequences of hyperglycemia in this patient population. Instead, hyperglycemia is often associated with extended hospital stays, compromised respiratory function, and an increased risk of infections, which all drive the mortality rates higher among critically ill patients.