Mr Grant is Struggling to Breathe Flashcards
What is pneumonia
Inflammation of alveoli, usually caused by infection of the Lung Parenchyma
B. CAP
How does pneumonia cause breathlessness
Fluid accumulates in the alveoli and impairs gas exchange
How do you determine whether pneumonia is bacterial or viral
Doing tests for both bacteria and viruses
Distinguishing between Pneumonia and Tuberculosis
Looks the same on an X-ray
Pneumonia is usually quite acute compared to the more chronic TB
Send samples to the lab and grow cultures which you study
VAP
Ventilator acquired pneumonia, muscle tone is weaker due to sleep;
Immune system is weaker (co-morbidity of ventilator)
Predisposes to inhaling pathogens that are in the ventilator and making you sick
Community vs Hospital Acquired Pneumonia
CAP - Pneumonia is acquired anywhere that is not a hospital (or 10 days after discharge from hospital)
HAP - Pneumonia symptoms are acquired more than 48 hours after hospital admission
Pneumonia symptoms
Cough
AND
- New focal chest signs
- Fever
- Dyspnoea
AND
Radiographic evidence
Why is PPE not used when handling pneumonia patients
The pathogens that cause pneumonia are commonly found, and only in affected patients have managed to find themselves affecting the respiratory system
How is pneumonia acquired
Pneumonia causing pathogens are acquired
The body’s defence mechanisms that can normally ward them off (e.g. cough, mucociliary escalator, macrophages) are insufficient
Pneumonia
ALTERNATIVELY, very virulent pathogens (e.g. Covid-19) are acquired
Risk factors of Pneumonia
Age Smoking Immunocompromised Care home residents Alcohol excess Co-morbidities - COPD - Chronic heart disease Child contact
What does low blood pressure indicate during pneumonia
Accumulation of N2O and potentially septic shot; sign of severe infection
Most essential test for pneumonia diagnosis
Chest X-ray
REMEMBER TO ASK ABOUT ALLERGIES AT PRESCRIPTION
REMEMBER TO ASK ABOUT ALLERGIES AT PRESCRIPTION
Enoxaparin
Anti-coagulant
Given to patients that are immobile at hospital (most admitted) to prevent risk of DVT causing pulmonary embolism
