Question

1. Why do these patient populations are at risk of developing bacterial pneumonia?

1. Older adults
2. Individuals with neuromuscular diseases such as Parkinson disease or multiple sclerosis
3. Children who are immunosuppressed due to an IgA deficiency
4. Individual with severe left ventricular failure

2. Describe the pathophysiology of bacterial pneumonia that leads to hypoxemia?

Answer 1

1) Answer: a) Older adults

Risk factors for pneumonia among older adults include underlying comorbid conditions, such as cardiovascular and lung disease, diabetes mellitus, and malignancy, all of which are more prevalent in advanced age

b) Individuals with neuromuscular diseases such as Parkinson disease or multiple sclerosis

A wide range of progressive neuromuscular disorders lead to dysfunction of the respiratory muscles that in turn can lead to respiratory failure, pneumonia, and death. Breathing disorders are recognized as the leading cause of mortality in neurologic disease

C) Children who are immunosuppressed due to an IgA deficiency

Selective IgA deficiency is an immune system condition in which you lack or don't have enough immunoglobulin A (IgA), a protein that fights infection (antibody). Most people with selective IgA deficiency don't have recurrent infections. However, some people who have IgA deficiency experience pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, allergies, asthma and diarrhea.

D) Individual with severe left ventricular failure

Many patients have stable congestive heart failure but can decompensate when a change occurs to their body. For example, a patient with congestive heart failure may be doing well but then develops pneumonia

2) General Pneumonia Pathophysiology:

Inflammatory reaction in alveoli causes Production of exudate & Increased WBCs:

-Production of exudate interferes with diffusion of O2 and CO2

-WBC's migrate into alveoli and fill normally air-containing spaces causing Increased secretions & Muscosal edema

Overall leads to Hypoventilation & Hypoxemia