PNEUMONIA
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
MEDICATIONS
Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes the air sacs of one or both lungs to become inflamed. Cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and trouble breathing can occur when the air sacs fill with fluid or pus (purulent material). Pneumonia may be caused by a number of species, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
ANTIBIOTICS
Cipro, Levaquin, and Oracea.
Oxygen Therapy
Annual Flu Vaccination
Cough Supressents
Pain Reliever/Fever reducer
Tylenol, Motrin, Advil
INTERVENTIONS
Make a priority to keep the airway clear
Elevate head of bed, change position frequently to lower the diaphragm and promote chest expansion, aeration of lung segments, mobilization and expectoration of secretions.
Teach and assist patient with proper deep-breathing exercises. Demonstrate proper splinting of chest and effective coughing while in upright position.
Suction as indicated: frequent coughing, adventitious breath sounds, desaturation related to airway secretions.
Suction as indicated: frequent coughing, adventitious breath sounds, desaturation related to airway secretions.
Assist and monitor effects of nebulizer treatment and other respiratory physiotherapy: incentive spirometer, IPPB, percussion, postural drainage.
Administer Medications as indicated
Use humidified oxygen or humidifier at bedside.
Anticipate the need for supplemental oxygen or intubation if patient’s condition deteriorates.
Urge all bedridden and postoperative patients to perform deep breathing and coughing exercises frequently.
Pertinent Assessment Findings
Symptoms of fever, chills, or night sweats in a patient should be reported immediately to the nurse as these can be signs of bacterial pneumonia.
pleuritic pain, bradycardia, tachypnea, and fatigue, use of accessory muscles for breathing, coughing, and purulent sputum.
changes in temperature and pulse; amount, odor, and color of secretions; frequency and severity of cough; degree of tachypnea or shortness of breath; and changes in the chest x-ray findings.
altered mental status, dehydration, unusual behavior, excessive fatigue, and concomitant heart failure
PATIENT EDUCATION
To follow the standard precaution and perform hand hygiene to eliminate chain of infection.
always do their recommended breathing exercises, as they strengthen the respiratory system and lower the risk of contracting pneumonia
HAND HYGIENE
Teach the patient about the proper administration of the antibiotics, potential side effects, and symptoms to report
Teach breathing exercises to promote secretion clearance and volume expansion.
strict obedience to follow-up checkups is important to check the latest chest x-ray result or physical examination findings
smoking should be stopped because it inhibits tracheobronchial ciliary action and irritates the mucous cells of the bronchi.
Pneumococcal Vaccination
65+ and older
2years and younger