Pneumonia
Table of contents
Overview
Pathophysiology
Types of pneumonia
Causes
Risk factors
Incidence
Complications
Assessment
Diagnostic test results
Imaging
Treatment
Nursing considerations
Associated Nursing procedures
Patient teaching
Discharge planning
1|Page
, Pneumonia
What is it?
Acute infection of the lung parenchyma that impairs gas exchange.
May be caused by various microorganisms, including mycobacteria,
bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi.
Classified by etiology, location in the lungs, or type.
Also classified as community-acquired, health care associated, hospital
acquired (nosocomial), ventilator-associated, and aspiration pneumonia;
or as pneumonia that occurs in an immunocompromised host.
Pathophysiology
Organisms enter the upper airway and multiplies in the epithelium, then
spreads to the lungs via secretions or the blood.
A gel-like substance forms as microorganisms and phagocytic cells
break down.
This substance consolidates within the lower airway structure.
Inflammation occurs and involves the alveoli, alveolar ducts, and
interstitial spaces surrounding the alveolar walls.
With lumbar pneumonia, inflammation starts in one area and and may
extend to one or more lobes.
In bronchopneumonia, it starts simultaneously in several areas,
producing patchy, diffuse consolidation.
In atypical pneumonia, inflammation is confined to the alveolar ducts
and interstitial space.
Types of pneumonia
2|Page
Table of contents
Overview
Pathophysiology
Types of pneumonia
Causes
Risk factors
Incidence
Complications
Assessment
Diagnostic test results
Imaging
Treatment
Nursing considerations
Associated Nursing procedures
Patient teaching
Discharge planning
1|Page
, Pneumonia
What is it?
Acute infection of the lung parenchyma that impairs gas exchange.
May be caused by various microorganisms, including mycobacteria,
bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi.
Classified by etiology, location in the lungs, or type.
Also classified as community-acquired, health care associated, hospital
acquired (nosocomial), ventilator-associated, and aspiration pneumonia;
or as pneumonia that occurs in an immunocompromised host.
Pathophysiology
Organisms enter the upper airway and multiplies in the epithelium, then
spreads to the lungs via secretions or the blood.
A gel-like substance forms as microorganisms and phagocytic cells
break down.
This substance consolidates within the lower airway structure.
Inflammation occurs and involves the alveoli, alveolar ducts, and
interstitial spaces surrounding the alveolar walls.
With lumbar pneumonia, inflammation starts in one area and and may
extend to one or more lobes.
In bronchopneumonia, it starts simultaneously in several areas,
producing patchy, diffuse consolidation.
In atypical pneumonia, inflammation is confined to the alveolar ducts
and interstitial space.
Types of pneumonia
2|Page
