Pneumonia Report: Overview of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

This report provides an overview of pneumonia, a disease characterized by infection of the alveoli. The report details the varying signs and symptoms, which can range from mild to severe, depending on the causative agent, patient age, and health conditions. The diagnosis process is described, starting with medical history and physical examination, followed by tests such as blood tests, chest X-rays, pulse oximetry, and sputum tests. The report also outlines the treatment options, including antibiotics, cough medicines, and pain relievers. The importance of patient education on causes, prevention, and medication adherence is emphasized. As a medical nurse, the author can carry out the diagnostic and drug prescription and therefore no need to refer the patient to another health care professional.

Running head: PNEUMONIA 1
Student name
Student No
Unit
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

PNEUMONIA 3
out the diagnostic and drug prescription and therefore no need to refer the patient to another
health care professional.

PNEUMONIA 4
References
Møller, T., Moser, C., Adamsen, L., Rugaard, G., Jarden, M., Bøtcher, T. S. & Kjeldsen, L.
(2016). Early warning and prevention of pneumonia in acute leukemia by patient
education, spirometry, and positive expiratory pressure: A randomized controlled trial.
American journal of hematology, 91(3), 271-276.
Thomas Jr, C. F., & Limper, A. H. (2016). Treatment and prevention of Pneumocystis
pneumonia in HIV-uninfected patients. Uptodate.[consultado 2017 dez 05]. Disponível
em: https://www. uptodate. com/contents/treatmentand-prevention-of-pneumocystis-
pneumonia-in-hiv-uninfected-patients.
Yealy, D. M., Fine, M. J., & Ramirez, J. A. (2019). Community-acquired pneumonia in adults:
Assessing severity and determining the appropriate site of care. UpToDate. Waltham,
MA.: UpToDate.