Symptoms And Treatment Of Pneumonia

743 Words2 Pages

Pneumonia Journal Article
Kellie Hale
Mohave Community College
NUR 122
Mrs. Port
9/8/2016

“In 2012, 1.1 million people were hospitalized in the US for treatment of pneumonia. The average hospital stay for these patients was 5.2 days. There were close to 50,000 deaths due to pneumonia and 95% of them were over the age of 65 (“Pneumonia”, 2016). Pneumonia is an serious condition and the pathogens that lead to pneumonia continue to spread throughout the hospitals and communities. Antibiotic resistance is a huge problem today so prevention and early treatment is very important.

Pneumonia is lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection, in which the air sac may fill up with fluid or pus. The strong internal defenses present in healthy individuals usually protect the body and lungs from these invading bacteria. But when a patient is immunocompromised they lack adequate functioning of these defense mechanisms making them more susceptible for acquiring pneumonia. Some people, such as organ transplant patients, patients taking immunosuppressant drugs, patients with NG tubes, are at increased risk. Other risk factors for pneumonia include smoking, excessive alcohol intake, inability to swallow due to stroke/neuromuscular disease, age over 65, malnourishment, hypoxia, and chronic lung diseases (“Pneumonia”, 2016).

There are several different ways that pneumonia is classified such as hospital acquired pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and community acquired pneumonia. Hospital acquired pneumonia, HAP, is an infection that was not present at the time of admission but develops 48 hours or more afterwards. Some of the most common bacteria in this class are Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aure...

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...tered if needed. The nurse will assess pulse oximetry readings, respiratory rate, and pain level. Pain will be treated with prescribed pain meds, fluids and electrolytes will be given as needed, and other meds such as bronchodilators, antibiotics, and/or antivirals will likely be prescribed. Pneumonia is very common illness but it can be fatal if not treated, so education regarding prevention and treatment is very important. Pneumococcal and influenza vaccines are available for prevention. Healthy eating and exercise are great ways to stay healthy and build a strong immune system. Proper fluid intake is very important, at least 6 to 8 glasses a day. Hand washing is the most effective way to stop the spread of infection.

References
Pneumonia. (n.d.). Retrieved September 8, 2016, from http://nursing.advanceweb.com/Continuing-Education/CE-Articles/Pneumonia.aspx

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