Pneumonia Flashcards

1
Q

What is the definition of pneumonia?

A

An acute lower respiratory tract infection associated with recently developed radiological signs

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2
Q

What is community acquired pneumonia?

A

It is picked up from home, rather than in a hospital

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3
Q

What is pneumonia?

A

An infection that inflames the alveoli

They may fill with fluid or purulent material (pus)

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4
Q

What is a pulmonary consolidation and how does it appear on a chest X-ray?

A

a region of lung tissue that has filled with fluid, rather than air

Areas of consolidation appear cloudy on X-ray

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5
Q

What are the 5 main symptoms of pneumonia?

A
  1. Progressive breathlessness
  2. Fever with shivering attacks (rigor)
  3. Sharp chest pain
  4. General malaise/lethargy
  5. Hypotension
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6
Q

What causes the sharp chest pain in pneumonia patients?

A

The pain is due to pleurisy which is inflammation of the pleura

The pain becomes worse on inspiration

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7
Q

Why is hypotension a symptom of pneumonia?

A

Due to an inflammatory stimulus

This decreases peripheral arterial resistance - dilation

Cardiac output increases to compensate, leading to tachycardia

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8
Q

What are the 4 main clinical signs of pneumonia?

A
  1. hot, flushed with peripheral dilatation
  2. dull to percussion but increased breath sounds on auscultation
  3. crackles due to the presence of fluid
  4. pleural rub
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9
Q

What is pleural rub?

A

The sound of the pleural linings rubbing together

Occurs when pleura are inflamed and have lost their lubrication

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10
Q

What are the 7 treatments for pneumonia?

A
  1. antibiotics
  2. oxygen
  3. analgesia
  4. fluids to treat hypotension and maintain perfusion
  5. physiotherapy
  6. nutrition
  7. stop smoking
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11
Q

How is pneumonia classified?

A

Based on a CURBA score:

Confusion (8 or less)
Urea (>7)
Respiratory rate (>/= 30)
Blood pressure (S<90 D= 60)
Age >/= 65

A score of 1 point is added for each abnormal reading

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12
Q

What do the CURBA scores mean for treatment?

A

0 or 1 - likely suitable for home treatment

2 - consider hospital Rx

3 or more - manage in hospital as severe pneumonia

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13
Q

What other lung conditions can pneumonia lead to?

A
  1. lung abscess due to collection of pus or fluid
  2. pleural effusion
  3. empyema
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14
Q

What is empyema?

A

Similar to pleural effusion, but the fluid becomes infected and contains pus

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15
Q

What are the 5 treatments for pneumonia?

A
  1. antibiotics
  2. pleural aspiration
  3. drain
  4. VATS/Surgery
  5. rhDNase/TPA (breaks down areas of scarring in tissue)
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