Pneumonia in Relation to Nursing Care - Essay Example

Pneumonia Research Paper Introduction Pneumonia is a disease of the lungs. Numerous germs, like fungi, viruses, and bacteria can bring about pneumonia. In addition, a person can acquire pneumonia by breathing in a chemical or ingesting a liquid. Individuals most vulnerable to the disease are younger than the age of 2 and older than the age of 65, or previously have health complications (Goncalves-Pereira et al., 2013). Organisms can live and multiply in the lungs if the immune system of the individual is very weak to resist the progression of the organism. This research paper analyzes and discusses pneumonia in relation to nursing care. Clinical Manifestations of Disease or Malady Human lungs, similar to the nose and mouth, usually have organisms, yet they are either very small in number to cause any harm or they are totally harmless. Organisms that are harmful are referred to as pathogenic, they bring about infection. Individuals acquiring pneumonia are either incapable of controlling the development of these organisms or have breathed in pathogenic organisms that quickly bring about pneumonia (Scherb et al., 2013). Pneumonia can be fatal, particularly if the individual is already too fragile or has health problem. Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) usually become frail due to nutritional inadequacies or insufficiency of exercise (Scherb et al., 2013). If pneumonia does take place, it can generally be medicated with antibiotics. At times the healthcare provider has to replace the antibiotic if the initial antibiotic fails to get rid of the organism. If a person becomes very weak, or not able to breathe easily due to lung infection, s/he may have to be confined to the hospital (Goncalves-Pereira et al., 2013). Sometimes, individuals with pneumonia have to have their breathing regulated or aided with a respirator until the infection is managed. Certain individuals are very weak to resist the infection, even if a respirator is utilized, and succumb to pneumonia (Aparasu et al., 2013). Pneumonia can be quite fatal if not medicated or managed promptly. Symptoms of pneumonia are green or dark yellow sputum discharge in abnormal amounts, worsening fatigue, fever, breathing problems, and a congested feeling. The healthcare provider will identify if a person is suffering from pneumonia through a chest x-ray and antibiotics will be given (Aparasu et al., 2013). One should contact a nurse or doctor if the sputum does not normalize in amount or color after taking antibiotics for duration of time. Weakness that gets worse in spite of medication must be consulted to healthcare providers. Common Diagnostic Studies and Expected Results The physician will begin by inquiring about a person’s medical history and performing a physical exam, such as using a stethoscope to listen for anomalous fizzing or bubbling sounds on the lungs that suggest the existence of thick liquid. The physician may prescribe the following diagnostic studies if pneumonia is probable (Simonetti et al., 2014, 4-7): (1) Sputum test. A specimen of fluid or sputum from a person’s lungs is obtained after severe coughing, and examined to identify the kind of infection. (2) Pulse oximetry is performed to determine the amount of oxygen in a person’s blood. Pneumonia can hinder the lungs from pushing sufficient oxygen into the bloodstream. (3) Blood tests are performed to verify the existence of infection and to determine the kind of organism bringing about the infection. Accurate diagnosis happens in merely roughly half of individuals with pneumonia. (4) Chest x-rays are performed to verify the existence of pneumonia and identify the degree and site of the infection. If the patient is older than 65 years of age, is hospitalized or have severe symptoms or a primary health problem, the physician may suggest the following (Simonetti et al., 2014, 7-9): (1) Bronchoscopy. A camera-equipped tube is inserted and pushed down a person’s throat and through his/her airways to see if there is a blockage or something else is causing the pneumonia. (2) Pleural fluid culture. A specimen of fluid is obtained from the pleural section and examined to help identify the kind of infection. If the pneumonia is not dissipating as rapidly as anticipated, the physician may prescribe a chest CT scan to acquire a more thorough view of the person’s lungs (Scherb et al., 2013). Treatment and Prognosis When antibiotics are recommended, the person should take them as instructed, except if they are triggering side-effects. The duration of time a person is given antibiotics differs with the treatment and the physician’s assessment. The most vital thing is not to discontinue antibiotics because the symptoms dissipate. The physician will make the decision for the patient based on his/her chest x-ray and medical history (Goncalves-Pereira et al., 2013). It is probable that the patient will be obliged to use inhalers more often and perhaps take steroid tablets or inhaled steroids for a brief duration of time so as to help the patient get rid of pneumonia. Most individuals with pneumonia recover after 3 to 5 days of taking antibiotic, yet a fatigue and minor cough can continue for a certain period of time. Patients who needed hospital treatment may require a longer time to recover (Aparasu et al., 2013). Pneumonia can be life-threatening. The rate of mortality is 30 percent for patients suffering from serious pneumonia. In general, roughly five to ten percent of patients who are medicated in hospitals perish from the illness (Scherb et al., 2013). Pneumonia is more prone to be life-threatening in older people or individuals with chronic health problems or a damaged immune system. Related Nursing Responsibility There are very few empirical findings to verify the medical dominance of one antibiotic over others for nursing or managing pneumonia, especially in the nursing home environment. Earlier course of action have prescribed antibiotic treatment in accordance mainly to microbiologic information (Simonetti et al., 2014). Course of action based on expert opinion and insufficient information prescribed the administration of an anti-pneumococcal fluoroquinolone by itself or either a second- or third-generation cephalosporin or a high-dose beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor, alongside azithromycin. Oral treatment is favored over parenteral treatment in mild conditions (Goncalves-Pereira et al., 2013, 8-10). In instances where a viral etiology of pneumonia is identified and there is low probability of the presence of secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics usually can be stopped. Influenza vaccination is prescribed for the inhibition of influenza in nursing home patients, yet does not give total defense. Likewise, pneumococcal vaccination is prescribed for every nursing home resident (Scherb et al., 2013, 128-129). In case of ineffectual airway clearance, the nurse’s objective is to guarantee that there is no unidentified buildup, pulmonary respiration is sufficient, and there is an effectual airway. The following nursing interventions can help achieve this objective (Aparasu et al., 2013, 467-469): first, observe respiratory condition regularly, take note of irregular breath sounds and evaluate the rise in respiratory condition; second, carry out postural drainage, vibration, and percussion regularly; third, administer oxygen treatment in accordance to the plan; fourth, assist patients in releasing secretions; fifth, place the patient in a comfortable position; sixth, observe blood gas examination to evaluate respiratory condition; seventh, provide sufficient hydration; and eighth, combination of antibiotics and other medications in accordance to the plan. In case of weakened gas exchange the nurse’s objective is to make sure of sufficient tissue oxygenation and gas exchange, and enhanced ventilation. The following nursing interventions are the nurse’s responsibility (Simonetti et al., 2014, 14-15): first, observe cyanosis symptoms, respiratory condition, and consciousness level; second, administer semi-fowler/fowler position; third, administer oxygen in accordance to the plan; fourth, observe blood gas examination; and fifth, inhibit the development of fatigue in patients. In summary, there are four major nursing responsibilities with regard to pneumonia: first, enhance respiratory function; second, inhibit complications; third, strengthen restorative mechanism; and fourth, deliver information about the illness, especially development, treatment, and prognosis. Conclusion Pneumonia can be fatal, particularly if the individual is already too fragile or has health problem. There are several diagnostic studies that physicians use in identifying and monitoring symptoms of pneumonia, such as sputum test, pulse oximetry, blood tests, and chest x-rays. Pneumonia is a serious illness that requires sustained nursing care and management. It is very important for an individual who shows symptoms of pneumonia to contact a healthcare provider in order to identify the underlying cause of the malady. Nurses have a critical role to play in alleviating the symptoms of pneumonia and in helping the patient recover fully from the disease. There are established guidelines that could help nurses perform their very important tasks. References Aparasu, R., Chatterjee, S., & Chen, H. (2013). Risk of Pneumonia in Elderly Nursing Home Residents Using Typical Versus Atypical Antipsychotics. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 47(4), 464-474. http://www.mdlinx.com/psychiatry/news-article.cfm/4551105/pneumonia-antipsychotics Goncalves-Pereira, J., Conceicao, C., & Povoa, P. (2013). Community-acquired pneumonia: identification and evaluation of nonresponders. Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease, 1(1), 5-17. http://tai.sagepub.com/content/1/1/5.full.pdf Scherb, C., Head, BJ, Hertzoq, M., Swanson, E., Reed, D., Maas, ML, Moorhead, S., Conley, DM, Kozel, M., Clarke, M., Gillette, S., & Weinberg, B. (2013). Evaluation of Outcome Change Scores for Patients with Pneumonia or Heart Failure. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 35(1), 117-140. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21447806 Simonetti, A., Viasus, D., Garcia-Vidal, C., & Carratala, J. (2014). Management of community-acquired pneumonia in older adults. Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease, 2(1), 3-16. http://tai.sagepub.com/content/2/1/3.abstract Read More