First Things First.
This nursing priority focuses on reducing or eliminating the chance of further problems (ARDS, respiratory failure, sepsis, etc) from developing secondary to pneumonia.
“What is preventing complications?”
This intervention involves placing patients in semi-Fowler or elevating the head of their bed.
“What is positioning?”
Infection in the lung parenchyma (alveoli).
"What is pneumonia?"
Bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
"What causes pneumonia?"
They are the common type of medication for treating bacterial pneumonia.
"What are Antibiotics?"
This nursing priority includes monitoring the patient’s breathing rate/depth/pattern, auscultating lung sounds, and obtaining and monitoring vitals.
“What is respiratory assessment?”
This intervention helps patients strengthen their immune system, promotes healing, and helps maintain energy levels by providing a high-protein, high-calorie diet or enteral feeding if necessary.
"What is providing optimal nutrition?"
Children, older adults, and immunocompromised.
"Who are those with increased risk?"
E. Coli, Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA.
"What are common bacteria that cause HAP and VAP?"
They are the type of medications used to treat severe or complicated viral pneumonia.
"What are Antivirals?"
This nursing priority is vital for proper oxygenation, is related to alveolar-capillary membrane changes, and is evidenced by altered ABG, hypoxemia, and cyanosis.
“What is managing impaired gas exchange?”
This intervention involves reducing patient discomfort, often involving positioning techniques and administration of analgesics.
"What is pain management?"
Fever, chills, flushed face, diaphoresis, SOB, tachypnea, pleuritic chest pain, yellow sputum, crackles/wheezes, coughing, dull chest percussion.
"What are the possible physical assessment findings for a patient with pneumonia?"
Sputum culture, CBC, ABG’s, blood culture, electrolytes, chest x-ray.
"What are diagnostic tests that help diagnose pneumonia"
They are the three categories of pneumonia causes.
"What are Bacterial pneumonia, viral pneumonia, and fungal pneumonia?"
This nursing priority helps to thin mucus, replaces loss from fever and increased respiratory rate, supports immune function, and prevents dehydration.
“What is maintaining fluid balance?”
This intervention involves providing the patient antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals to target and treat the underlying infection.
"What is medication administration?"
Anxiety, fatigue, weakness, chest pain, confusion (older adults).
"What are expected patient findings?"
Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
"What are the most common bacterial pathogens of CAP?"
It prevents bacterial pneumonia initially caused by the flu.
What is the role of pneumococcal vaccines in pneumonia prevention?
This nursing priority focuses on preventing obstruction and ensuring a pathway for adequate oxygenation. It often involves positioning, suctioning, or providing other mechanical assistance.
“What is maintaining airway patency?”
This intervention helps pneumonia patients improve lung ventilation and enhance oxygen exchange through intentional, controlled diaphragmatic movement, sometimes using an incentive spirometer.
"What are breathing exercises?"
CAP, HAP, VAP.
"What are the 3 classifications of pneumonia?"
RSV, parainfluenza, adenoviruses.
"What are common viruses that cause pneumonia"
It may be treated with proper hydration and rest at home.
What is viral pneumonia?