Pneumonia Flashcards
1
Q
What physiology does Pneumonia affect?
A
Alveoli responsible for gas exchange
2
Q
What are the structural abnormalities?
A
- Consolidation and exudation- Alveolar filling with fluid.
3
Q
What are the physiological abnormalities?
A
- Inflammation of the bronchioles and alveoli
- Fills the alveoli with fluid. This stops oxygen reaching the blood stream.
4
Q
What are the causes of pneumonia?
A
- Most commonly bacterial broncho-pneumonia
- Chemical or physical injury to the lung
- Vomiting while semi-concious (Aspiration pneumonia)
- Prior episode of viral flu
5
Q
What are the symptoms and signs?
A
- Productive cough
- Fever
- Chills
- Unilateral chest pain
- Shaking
- Dyspnoea
- Headache
- Green/brown sputum
- Tachypnoea
- Tachycardia
- Hypotension
- Hypoxia/cyanosis
- Crepitation (a crackling sound made when breathing with an inflamed lung, detected using a stethoscope)
6
Q
What are the abnormal test results expected with Pneumonia?
A
- Consolidation shown on the chest X-ray
- Blood and Sputum cultures
7
Q
What are the medical and surgical interventions available?
A
- Oxygen therapy
- Intravenous fluids
- Give antibiotics if bacterial
- Assisted ventilation may be required
8
Q
What are the preventions available?
A
Vaccinations are available for Pneumococcal pneumonia and flu
