Pneumonia

Question 1

What physiology does Pneumonia affect?

Answer 1

Alveoli responsible for gas exchange

Question 2

What are the structural abnormalities?

Answer 2

• Consolidation and exudation- Alveolar filling with fluid.

Question 3

What are the physiological abnormalities?

Answer 3

• Inflammation of the bronchioles and alveoli

- Fills the alveoli with fluid. This stops oxygen reaching the blood stream.

Question 4

What are the causes of pneumonia?

Answer 4

• Most commonly bacterial broncho-pneumonia
• Chemical or physical injury to the lung
• Vomiting while semi-concious (Aspiration pneumonia)
• Prior episode of viral flu

Question 5

What are the symptoms and signs?

Answer 5

• Productive cough
• Fever
• Chills
• Unilateral chest pain
• Shaking
• Dyspnoea
• Headache
• Green/brown sputum
• Tachypnoea
• Tachycardia
• Hypotension
• Hypoxia/cyanosis
• Crepitation (a crackling sound made when breathing with an inflamed lung, detected using a stethoscope)

Question 6

What are the abnormal test results expected with Pneumonia?

Answer 6

• Consolidation shown on the chest X-ray

- Blood and Sputum cultures

Question 7

What are the medical and surgical interventions available?

Answer 7

• Oxygen therapy
• Intravenous fluids
• Give antibiotics if bacterial
• Assisted ventilation may be required

Question 8

What are the preventions available?

Answer 8

Vaccinations are available for Pneumococcal pneumonia and flu