Assignment | Pneumonia has similar signs to cord and influenza and together with its variable symptoms

Running head: PNEUMONIA 1
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Title: Pneumonia

PNEUMONIA 2
According to Yealy, Fine and Ramirez (2019), pneumonia is an infection of the alveoli,
whereby they are filled with pus. The signs and symptoms and signs of pneumonia vary from
mild to severe and the body’s response to the disease depends on the type disease causing germ,
patient’s age and health conditions. Its signs and symptoms include fever, shortness of breath,
rapid shallow breath, cough that produces yellow, greenish or bloody mucus, sharp chest pains,
fatigue and loss of appetite, nausea among children and confusion among the elderly.
Pneumonia has similar signs to cord and influenza and together with its variable
symptoms, make its diagnosis difficult. The nurse first asks for medical history then carries out
some physical examination using stethoscope to listen to patient’s lungs abnormal cracking or
bubbling sounds. If the doctor suspects pneumonia, they then undertake the following tests.
Blood test, to confirm the infection and also determine the organism causing the infection. Chest
X-ray which helps analyze the extent and location of infection. Pulse oximetry to determine
blood oxygen level and finally sputum test used to analyze the cause of the disease (Thomas and
Limper, 2016). CT scan and pleural fluid culture tests can be carried out among the elderly.
Treatment could depend on the severity and type of pneumonia, age and health status of
the patient. Antibiotics have been used to treat bacterial pneumonia. Cough medicines are also
used to calm cough. However, doctors recommend using cough suppressants with low dose so
that it does not completely end the cough but help the patient rest. Pain relievers can be taken to
reduce discomfort and fever (Moller et al. 2016). It is important that the patient knows the causes
and ways to prevent pneumonia in future. They should also be educated on how to take their
medications. After treatment the doctor should tell them what is expected of them and when the
patient can see the doctor again (or cases of complications). Being a medical nurse, I can carry