Question

Recent outbreak of respiratory related infections is causing mortalities especially among the aged due to Pneumonia and its attending complications.

A. Explain SIX (6) risk factors of pneumonia

B. Describe EIGHT (8) clinical manifestations of pneumonia

C. Describe the nursing management of a client with pneumonia

Answer 1

A. COPD : chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects a person's ability to breathe thereby increases the risk of pneumonia.

Kidney disease : Bacterias inside the kidney abscess will spread to the lungs through the blood stream.

Heart failure : It increases the risk of pneumonia due to alveoli flooding and reduced microbial clearance.

Poor nutrition : Poor nutrition increases susceptibility to infection. So Adequate nutrition helps in antibody formation and development of immune system.

Sleep apnea : It causes blocked upper airway and thereby decreases oxygen while sleeping.

Diabetes : Diabetic patients are at risk of hyperglycemia decreased immunity and increased risk of aspiration.

B. Cough with sputum .

Fever , chills and sweating.

Low blood pressure.

Tachycardia.

Shortness of breath .

Rapid breathing .

Chest pain while coughing.

Confusion.

Loss of appetite and fatigue .

Nausea , vomiting, diarrhea.

C. Assess for altered mental status , fatigue , dehydration and symptoms of fever , chills .

Provide adequate hydration - it helps to loosen secretions.

Remove secretions - it may interfere with gas exchange.

Encourage patient to do coughing exercise - it helps to improve airway patency.

Chest physiotherapy - loosens and mobilize secretions.

Provide comfortable position - semi-fowlers position to promote rest and breathing.