Respiratory Infections (Pneumonia) for Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)

Respiratory Infections (Pneumonia)

Definition/Etiology:

• Pneumonia
  • Infection within the air sacs of the lungs
• Causes
  • Aspiration
  • Bacteria
  • Virus
  • Fungus

Pathophysiology:

• Fluid, pus, or blood in alveolar sacs.  Bacteria, virus, or fungus growing (infection). Can prevent oxygen from effectively getting into the blood steam

Noticing: Assessment & Recognizing Cues:

• Symptoms
  • Fever
  • Crackles/Rhonchi
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough (prod or non-prod)
  • Vital sign changes

Interpreting: Analyzing & Planning:

• Diagnostics
  • Chest x-ray
  • Sputum culture
• Labs
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  • blood cultures

Responding: Patient Interventions & Taking Action:

• Oxygen
• Antibiotics
• IV Fluids
• Fever management
• Cough meds

Reflecting: Evaluating Patient Outcomes:

• Symptoms improvement
  • Normothermic
  • Lungs clear
  • Cough decreased or gone
  • Vital signs stabilize

Linchpins (Key Points):

• Recognize infection early.
• Treat the infection.
• Manage the symptoms.