Hospital acquired and Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Guidelines Pocket Guide Guideline Central VAP #HAP #pneumonia The diagnosis of VAP is difficult as clinical signs suggestive of pneumonia, such as fever, tachycardia, and leukocytosis, are nonspecific in critically ill patients. Moreover, particularly in Take a Deep Breath: Treatment of Pneumonia tl;dr pharmacy A 58 year old male presents to the ER with a 4 day history of high fever, a dry hacking cough, and severe shortness of breath. He also complains of profuse watery diarrhea and confusion.