Pneumonia

Question 1

Pneumonia pathophysiology

Answer 1

Pneumonia is an infection of the alveoli and lung parenchyma, most commonly caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. In response to the infection, the body triggers an inflammatory response, leading to:

Alveolar inflammation – The alveoli fill with exudate, pus, and immune cells, impairing gas exchange.
Vascular permeability increases, causing fluid to leak into the alveoli, leading to crackles on auscultation.
Hypoxia – Reduced oxygen exchange can cause low SpO₂ and increased respiratory effort.
Systemic response – The infection triggers a fever, tachycardia, and increased WBC count as the immune system fights off the pathogen.

Question 2

Types of pneumonia

Answer 2

Lobar pneumonia
-affects one or more lobes
-caused by staphylococcus
-most common type especially in young adults
Bronchopneumonia
-infection spreads from bronchi to alveoli

Question 3

Pneumonia signs and symptoms

Answer 3

-hypoxia
-bi-basal crackles
-reduced breath sounds
-dullness on percussion of bases
-SOB
-productive cough
-fever
-chest pain

Question 4

Risk factors pneumonia

Answer 4

-older age
-smoking
-chronic disease eg. heart failure, diabetes
-lung pathologies eg. COPD, cystic fibrosis
-weakened/ suppressed immune system
-hospitalisation
-flu
-drug and alcohol use

Question 5

Pneumonia treatment

Answer 5

-correct ABCDE first
-pain relief if required
-O2 if required
-fluids if required
-sit in high fowlers position
-continuous monitoring
-convey at normal road speeds

Question 6

CRB-65

Answer 6

-confusion, respiratory rate above 30, BP less than 90, above 65yrs
-all= 1 point
-higher score, higher the risk