Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by an infection.

It is also called
Pneumonitis or Bronchopneumonia. Pneumonia can be a serious threat to our health. Although
pneumonia is a special concern for older adults and those with chronic illnesses, it can also
strike young, healthy people as well.

There are many kinds of pneumonia that range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. In
infectious pneumonia, bacteria, viruses, fungi or other organisms attack your lungs, leading to
inflammation that makes it hard to breathe. Pneumonia can affect one or both lungs. In the
young and healthy, early treatment with antibiotics can cure bacterial pneumonia. The drugs
used to fight pneumonia are determined by the germ causing the pneumonia and the
judgment of the doctor. It’s best to do everything we can to prevent pneumonia, but if one do
get sick, recognizing and treating the disease early offers the best chance for a full recovery.

A lobar pneumonia is an infection that only involves a single lobe, or section, of a lung. Lobar

pneumonia is often due to Streptococcus pneumoniae (though Klebsiella pneumoniae is also

possible.)[4]

Multilobar pneumonia involves more than one lobe, and it often causes a more severe illness.

Bronchial pneumonia affects the lungs in patches around the tubes (bronchi or bronchioles).

Interstitial pneumonia involves the areas in between the alveoli, and it may be called

"interstitial pneumonitis." It is more likely to be caused by viruses or by atypical bacteria.

NURSING ACTIONS
INDEPENDENT

positioning of the patient with head on mid line, with slight flexion
rationale: to provide patent, unobstructed airway , maximum lung excursion
auscultating patient’s chest
rationale: to monitor for the presence of abnormal breath sounds
provide chest and back clapping with vibration
rationale: chest physiotheraphy facilitates the loosening of secretions
considering that the patient is an infant, and has developed a strong stranger anxiety
as manifested by “white coat syndrome” , it is a nursing action to play with the patient.
rationale: to establish rapport, and gain the patients trust
DEPENDENT

 administer due medications as ordered by the physician, bronchodilators, anti pyretics

and anti biotics
rationale: bronchodilators decrease airway resistance, secondary to
bronchoconstriction,
anti pyretics alleviate fever, antibiotics fight infection
  placing patient on TPN prn
rationale: to compensate for fluid and nutritional losses during vomiting

NORMAL LUNGS
LUNGS WITH PNEUMONIA