Pneumonia

Question 1

The definition and pathology of pneumonia

Answer 1

An inflammatory condition that leads to the abnormal filling of the alveoli with consolidation and exudation

1- There is a trigger such as infection, chemicals, or aspiration
2- the inflammatory response results in the migration of neutrophils from the blood to the alveoli
3- these cells phagocytose and release antimicrobial enzymes and inhibitors
4- this leads to more inflammation and oedema

Question 2

4 stages of pneumonia

Answer 2

1- Congestion- first 24h-

• vascular engorgement
• intra-alveolar fluid
• red/heavy lungs

2- Red Hepatisation- 2-3 days-

• Red blood cells/leucocytes/fibrin filling alveolar space
• red/firm/airless lung in affected area

3- grey hepatisation- 4-6 days-

• Breakdown of red blood cells
• persistence of fibrin exudate

4- Resolution- 6 days+-

• Consolidated exudate is broken down into small pieces
• Macrophages absorb them or they are coughed out

Question 3

7 causes of pneumonia

Answer 3

1- Bacteria 
2- virus 
3- parasite 
4- fungi 
5- inhalation of smoke or burns 
6- chemicals 
7- aspiration

Question 4

Diagnostic requirements for pneumonia (5) and tests (6)

Answer 4

• temp higher than 37.8 degrees
• heart rate above 100 b/p/m
• Increased breath sounds
• Crackles
• the absence of asthma
• CXR
• CT scan
• Blood tests
• Sputum sample
• pleural fluid sample
• bronchoscopy

Question 5

General signs and symptoms of pneumonia (6)

Answer 5

• Increased temp
• rapid heart rate
• general malaise
• loss of appetite
• muscle aches and fatigue
• productive/non-productive cough

Question 6

Classifications of pneumonia

Answer 6

Hospital-acquired
community acquired
health care related
ventilator assisted