Pneumonia

Question 1

What are the signs and symptoms of pneumonia?

Answer 1

cough, fever, SOB, sweating, shaking, chills

Question 2

What are the causes of pneumonia?

Answer 2

bacteria, virus, fungi

Question 3

What is the pathophysiology of pneumonia?

Answer 3

infectious micro-organisms reach the alveoli
macrophages. overwhelmed, neutrophils recruited
neutrophils enguld alveoli producing fibrin rich exudate
exudate fills infected neighbouring alveoli
exudate causes alveoli to stick together reducing ventilation
oedema increases diffusion distance for gases, impairing gas exchange

Question 4

What are some nursing interventions and rationale for pneumonia?

Answer 4

administer O2 as prescribed - to reduce the risk of hypoxia
administer salbutamol as prescribed - to dilate the bronchioles and allow the patient to breath easier
position upright - to promote gas exchange and optimise lung expansion
reassurance by explaining their diagnosis and their care plan - to reduce the SNS response and reduce anxiety