Nursing Interventions for Pneumonia, Research Paper Example

Definition

Pneumonia is a form of infection that is generally found in the lungs and specifically, the air sacs, which become inflamed, and may cause a host of symptoms that require immediate treatment to prevent further risk or harm (Mayo Clinic, 2015). When pneumonia is not treated properly and with an aggressive form of therapy, it may become more serious and contribute to further decline for patients, causing death in those who can no longer fight the infection due to low immunity and a lack of response to treatment (Mayo Clinic, 2015).

Causes and Manifestations

Pneumonia may be caused by a number of factors, including viruses, bacteria, mycoplasms, fungi, and even chemicals in some cases, and if patients are diagnosed with a viral form of the disease, their risk of developing a bacterial form is increased (American Lung Association, 2015). There are a number of risk factors associated with pneumonia that include smoking, chronic lung diseases that include COPD, other respiratory infections such as colds and influenza, weakened immunity attributed to another condition such as an autoimmune disorder, having experienced recent trauma or requiring surgery, and other factors, all of which may make a patient more prone to developing pneumonia (American Lung Association, 2015).

Pneumonia may be characterized by a number of different symptoms, including but not limited to coughing, some of which may include yellow, green, or bloody mucus, fever, chills and shaking, and shortness of breath, along with headache, sweating, skin that is clammy, loss of appetite, and fatigue (American Lung Association, 2015). The condition may become severe if a definitive diagnosis and subsequent treatment strategy is not achieved within a timely manner in order to prevent further risk to patients that could result in further decline if not properly addressed (American Lung Association, 2015).

Treatments

Once a definitive diagnosis has been made via physical examination, chest x-ray, and a possible combination of bloodwork, arterial blood gases, CT scan, and sputum tests, among others, it is necessary for patients to receive the proper treatment that will aim to prevent further symptoms and fight the underlying cause of the infection as appropriate (American Lung Association, 2015). The most common treatments for pneumonia include antibiotic therapies for non-viral forms of the disease that include azithromycin and erythromycin; increased intake of fluids to loosen phlegm; longer periods of rest; fever control with aspirin, NSAIDS, or acetaminophen; and in more severe cases, hospitalization may be required that includes intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and oxygen therapy as necessary to improve breathing function when it is remarkably limited by the actions of the pneumonia agent that has been identified (American Lung Association, 2015).

Nursing Interventions

At the nursing level, the appropriate strategy must be in place that will be effective in meeting the goals and objectives of the nursing team in treating patients with pneumonia. To be specific, nurses who are working with hospitalized patients with pneumonia must work with them to keep airways as clear as possible, while also ensuring that they have adequate oxygenation in more severe cases; in addition, nurses must be able to use suction as required to obtain sputum for testing and also monitor ABG levels when the patient is experiencing hypoxia (Nursing File, 2010). It is also expected that nurses will administer medications as needed in a timely manner, either orally or intravenously, evaluate fluid intake on a regular basis, evaluate respiratory sounds, dispose of all secretions as needed in a safe and hygienic manner; and also communicate all required interventions and treatments with the patient and with family members (Nursing File, 2010).

References

American Lung Association (2015). Pneumonia. Retrieved from http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia/

Mayo Clinic (2015). Pneumonia. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pneumonia/basics/causes/con-20020032

Nursing File (2010). Nursing interventions for pneumonia. Retrieved from http://nursingfile.com/nursing-care-plan/nursing-interventions/nursing-interventions-for-pneumonia.html