Pneumonia Flashcards
What measures can be taken to optimize nutrition during a patient’s inpatient stay?
To optimize nutrition during a patient’s inpatient stay: - Assess dietary needs and preferences - Provide high-protein, calorie-dense meals - Monitor fluid intake and output - Consider enteral or parenteral nutrition if needed - Collaborate with a dietitian for tailored plans - Regularly evaluate nutritional status and adjust as necessary
What are the key clinical features of pneumonia?
Key clinical features of pneumonia include: - Fever and chills - Productive cough - Dyspnea - Pleuritic chest pain - Tachypnea and respiratory distress - Cyanosis (peripheral or central) - Dull percussion over consolidation - Increased fremitus and bronchial breath sounds - Crepitations and pleural rub
What nutritional guidelines should be followed for patients at risk of aspiration?
Nutritional guidelines for patients at risk of aspiration include: - Follow SALT guidelines (Swallowing Assessment and Learning Techniques) - Use thickened liquids - Offer soft, easy-to-swallow foods - Monitor for signs of aspiration during meals - Ensure proper positioning during eating and drinking
What factors influence the prognosis of pneumonia patients?
Factors influencing pneumonia prognosis include: - Age (older patients at higher risk) - Comorbidities (e.g., COPD, diabetes) - Severity of symptoms (CURB-65 score) - Immunocompromised status - Alcohol or smoking history - Hospitalization needs - Presence of complications (e.g., effusion, sepsis)
What are some non-infective causes that may mimic pneumonia symptoms?
Non-infective causes mimicking pneumonia symptoms include: - Exacerbation of COPD or asthma - Pulmonary embolism - Lung cancer - Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia - Eosinophilic pneumonia - Interstitial lung disease - Post-stroke complications or impaired consciousness
What are the recommended antibiotic treatments for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?
Recommended antibiotic treatments for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): - IV co-amoxiclav 1.2g TDS - Oral clarithromycin 500mg BD for 7 days Always follow local guidelines and consider patient-specific factors.
How does the CURB-65 scoring system help in managing pneumonia?
The CURB-65 scoring system helps manage pneumonia by assessing 30-day mortality risk and guiding treatment. It evaluates: - Confusion - Urea levels - Respiratory rate - Blood pressure - Age Scores indicate severity: 0-1 (mild), 2 (moderate), 3-5 (severe), influencing care decisions and hospitalization needs.
What diagnostic tests are used for identifying pneumonia?
Diagnostic tests for pneumonia include: - Chest X-ray (CXR) or CT: to check for consolidation - Full Blood Count (FBC): to assess infection - C-Reactive Protein (CRP): to monitor inflammation - Arterial Blood Gas (ABG): to check for hypoxia - Sputum Culture: for pathogen identification - Urinary Antigens: for pneumococcal and legionella detection
How do pathogenic microorganisms typically enter the lower respiratory tract?
Pathogenic microorganisms typically enter the lower respiratory tract through: - Inhalation of airborne pathogens - Micro-aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions - Hematogenous spread from other infected sites
What is the significance of differentiating between simple LRTI and pneumonia?
Differentiating between simple LRTI and pneumonia is crucial because it affects: - Treatment: pneumonia may require antibiotics, while simple LRTI may not - Prognosis: pneumonia can lead to complications and requires closer monitoring - Management: different approaches based on severity and underlying causes
What is the importance of monitoring urine output in pneumonia patients?
Monitoring urine output in pneumonia patients is important because it helps to: - Assess kidney function - Detect potential acute kidney injury - Evaluate fluid balance - Monitor response to treatment - Identify complications like sepsis or dehydration
What complications can arise from pneumonia?
Complications from pneumonia can include: - Parapneumonic effusion - Empyema - Lung abscess - Cavitation - Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) - Bronchiectasis - Severe sepsis/septic shock - End organ damage - Increased mortality risk
What symptoms indicate a need for ICU referral in pneumonia cases?
Symptoms indicating ICU referral in pneumonia cases include: - Severe respiratory distress - Hypoxia (low oxygen levels) - Tachycardia (heart rate >90 BPM) - Hypotension - Altered mental status - High respiratory rate (≥30/min) - Signs of sepsis or septic shock
What are the two main types of pneumonia mentioned in the text?
The two main types of pneumonia mentioned are: - Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) - Hospital Acquired Pneumonia (HAP)
What management strategies are appropriate for treating pneumonia and its complications?
Management strategies for pneumonia include: 1. Prevention: - Smoking cessation - Vaccination - Good hygiene practices 2. Acute Management: - Sepsis 6 protocol - Antibiotics (CAP/HAP specific) - Fluid management - Monitor urine output 3. Address complications: - Drainage for effusions - ICU referral for severe cases
What extra-pulmonary features could be associated with mycoplasma pneumonia?
Extra-pulmonary features of mycoplasma pneumonia may include: - RUQ tenderness - Scleral icterus (jaundice) - Joint tenderness - Tachycardia - Hypotension - Peripheral or central cyanosis These signs indicate systemic involvement beyond the respiratory system.
How can alcohol abuse affect the incidence of pneumonia?
Alcohol abuse can increase pneumonia risk by: - Impairing immune function - Increasing aspiration risk - Leading to hospital-acquired infections - Making patients more susceptible to resistant organisms like Pseudomonas and Klebsiella
What role does smoking cessation play in pneumonia prevention?
Smoking cessation plays a crucial role in pneumonia prevention by: - Reducing lung inflammation - Decreasing the risk of respiratory infections - Improving overall lung function - Lowering exposure to harmful substances that can weaken the immune system
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
The primary function of the respiratory system is to facilitate gas exchange. It brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide, supporting cellular respiration and maintaining blood pH levels.
What are the signs of sepsis that may arise from pneumonia?
Signs of sepsis from pneumonia include: - Fever and chills - Tachycardia (heart rate >90 BPM) - Hypotension (low blood pressure) - Tachypnea (rapid breathing) - Peripheral or central cyanosis (low oxygen) - Respiratory distress - Altered mental status (confusion)
What investigations should be included in an investigation plan for pneumonia based on severity?
Investigations for pneumonia based on severity should include: - Chest X-ray or CT for consolidation - Full blood count (FBC) - C-reactive protein (CRP) - Urea and electrolytes (U&E) - Liver function tests (LFTs) - Arterial blood gas (ABG) - Blood cultures and sputum cultures for pathogens
What is the significance of blood cultures in pneumonia management?
Blood cultures are significant in pneumonia management because they help: - Identify the causative organism - Detect sepsis - Guide appropriate antibiotic therapy - Monitor treatment effectiveness This ensures targeted treatment and improves patient outcomes.
What symptoms might a patient present with when suffering from pneumonia?
Symptoms of pneumonia may include: - Fever and chills - Productive cough - Dyspnea (shortness of breath) - Pleuritic chest pain - Tachypnea (rapid breathing) - Cyanosis (bluish skin) - Tachycardia (increased heart rate) - Respiratory distress - Crepitations or reduced breath sounds on examination
What are the different types of pneumonia based on where it was acquired?
Pneumonia types based on acquisition: - Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP): outside of hospital - Hospital Acquired Pneumonia (HAP): >48 hours in hospital - Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP): >48 hours after intubation
