Pneumonia

Question 1

Factors (age-related)

Answer 1

• poor chest expansion & shallower breathing due to age-related changes to the resp system
• resp diseases that promote mucus formation & bronchial obstruction
• lowered resistance to infection
• reduced sensitivity of pharyngeal reflexes (cough reflex), which promotes aspiration of foreign material
• conditions causing reduced mobility & debilitation (strength)
• increased risk for hospital admission

Question 2

nursing considerations

Answer 2

close monitoring of subtle changes

can cause paralytic ileus (motor activity of the bowel is impaired)

S&S can be altered in older persons & serious pneumonia can be asymptomatic, causing a delay in diagnosis

encourage increased fluid intake

provide acceptable nutrition

monitor need for O2

Question 3

Symptoms

Answer 3

-productive cough, fever & chest pain can be atypical among older adults due to age-related changes

-many older individuals present with a low-grade fever
(temp is slightly above 37.5 degrees Celsius)

• productive cough. Yellow/green sputum may have foul odor &/or may be rusty
• fatigue
• rapid respirations
• confusion, restlessness & behavioral changes can occur due to cerebral hypoxia
• fever
• rapid pulse rate
• SOB=increased RR, adventitious sounds (rhonchi)
• pleuritic chest pain that increases with deep inspiration
• behavioral changes

Question 4

Types

Answer 4

community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)

aspiration pneumonia (ASP)

Question 5

Tx

Answer 5

Treating the cause:

• antibiotics if bacterial
• swallowing rehab

Treating the symptoms

• antipyretics (reduces fever)
• expectorants (promotes coughing)
• suppressants (suppresses coughing)

Question 6

Prevention

Answer 6

vaccines