Pneumonia

Question 1

what are the common symptoms

Answer 1

Fever, chills, productive cough (purulent or rusty sputum)
Dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, fatigue
Crackles, rhonchi, bronchial breath sounds
Egophony (increased vocal resonance), dullness to percussion

Question 2

how does pneumonia enter lungs

Answer 2

Aspiration of normal flora (most common)
Inhalation of airborne microbes
Hematogenous spread from distant infections

Question 3

what are the severe symptoms?

Answer 3

Cyanosis, altered mental status, hypotension
Tachycardia, respiratory distress, sepsis

Question 4

what are the symptoms in older adults?

Answer 4

Confusion, weakness, anorexia, fatigue
Lack of fever or productive cough

Question 5

what are the risk factors?

Answer 5

Age >65 years
Smoking, alcohol use
Chronic diseases (COPD, diabetes, chronic kidney disease)
Immobility, aspiration risk (e.g., stroke, dysphagia)
Immunosuppression (HIV, chemotherapy, steroids)
Long-term care facility residents

Question 6

what does the chest x ray show?

Answer 6

Shows infiltrates, consolidation, or pleural effusion

Question 6

what does the lab test show?

Answer 6

Elevated WBC count, increased neutrophils
Positive sputum culture (bacterial pneumonia)
ABGs: Hypoxemia (low PaO₂)
Blood cultures (to rule out sepsis)

Question 7

how is pneumonia prevented?

Answer 7

Pneumococcal vaccine (PPSV23 & PCV13 for high-risk adults)
Annual influenza vaccine (to prevent flu-related pneumonia)
Smoking & alcohol cessation
Hand hygiene, avoiding sick contacts
Aspiration precautions (elevate head of bed, swallow assessment)

Question 7

what are the medications given?

Answer 7

Antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia (macrolides, fluoroquinolones, beta-lactams)
Antivirals (e.g., oseltamivir) if viral pneumonia (e.g., influenza)
Bronchodilators (albuterol) for airway obstruction
Analgesics & antipyretics for fever and pain control

Question 8

what is the supportive care for pneumonia

Answer 8

Oxygen therapy for hypoxemia
IV fluids (maintain hydration)
Rest, deep breathing, and coughing exercises
Incentive spirometry (to prevent atelectasis)

Question 9

when should you seek emergency care?

Answer 9

Persistent fever >3 days after antibiotics
Worsening dyspnea or chest pain
New or worsening confusion (especially in older adults)
Persistent fatigue or inability to eat/drink