Key concepts & Definitions
This inflammatory process in the lungs produces excess fluid and is triggered by an infectious organism or the aspiration of an irritant.
What is pneumonia?
This is the most common type of pneumonia and is often a complication of influenza
What is community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?
This increase in respiratory rate is an expected finding due to the respiratory infection.
What is tachypnea?
This imaging test is the best diagnostic tool for pneumonia, even though it may not show changes in the first few days.
What is the chest X-ray?
For any respiratory disorder, this is the top priority the nurse must ensure first.
What is a patent airway and adequate oxygenation?
This term describes lung tissue that becomes filled with fluid and exudate instead of air — a hallmark sign on a chest X-ray.
What is consolidation?
This type of pneumonia manifests greater than 48 hours after a hospital admission
What is healthcare-acquired pneumonia (HAP)?
This new mental status change from hypoxia is the most common manifestation of pneumonia in older clients.
What is confusion?
: A sputum culture and sensitivity should always be collected at this point in treatment.
What is before starting antibiotics?
This is always the priority first step before beginning chest physiotherapy.
What is auscultate the lung fields?
This is the functional lung tissue where gas exchange happens, and where fluid buildup blocks oxygen from moving into the blood.
What is the lung parenchyma?
This type develops more than 48 hours after a client is intubated.
What is ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)?
In pneumonia, sputum may appear in these three colors.
What are yellow, rust-colored, or blood-tinged?
On an ABG, this value below 80 mmHg indicates hypoxemia
What is the PaO₂?
For a school-age child with respiratory failure due to pneumonia, this position allows for maximal lung expansion.
What is Fowler's position (sitting upright, leaning forward)?
This type of pneumonia involves the entire lobe of the lung.
What is lobar pneumonia?
With a higher mortality rate and more antibiotic resistance, this type develops 24 to 48 hours from time exposed.
What is healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP)?
These two adventitious lung sounds are heard on auscultation in a client with pneumonia.
What are crackles and wheezes?
Antibiotics are given by this route first, then switched to PO.
What is IV (intravenous)?
This complication causes alveolar collapse, leading to shortness of breath, hypoxia, and diminished breath sounds.
What is atelectasis?
Unlike lobar pneumonia, this type settles around the bronchi and is not localized to one lobe.
What is bronchopneumonia?
This is the shared timing window for both HAP and VAP — admission for one, intubation for the other.
What is greater than 48 hours?
These two findings on physical examination point to consolidation — one felt through vibration, one heard on percussion.
What are tactile fremitus and dullness to percussion?
Clients taking glucocorticoids should report these stools, which may indicate GI bleeding.
What are black, tarry stools?
This complication is marked by hypoxemia despite oxygen therapy, pulmonary edema, worsening dyspnea, and hypercarbia.
What is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?