Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Shadow Health Introduction
Anita Douglas, a 72-year-old African American female, was recently diagnosed with
Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP). She reported symptoms of coughing, congestion,
constant chest pain, and increased fatigue for three days. She also stated she had an elevation in
temperature up to 100.1. Mrs. Douglas indicated her husband, Jeffery, took her to see a provider
after her temperature spiked. Mrs. Douglas had normal vital signs except for the elevated
temperature of 100.9. A thorough history and physical was obtained, along with a sputum
culture. It was decided to start Mrs. Douglas on Doxycycline for her symptoms as it would not
interfere with her current medications for hypertension and kidney disease. Mrs. Douglas
indicated she would be able to have her husband pick up her prescriptions, and there would be no
financial burden to the family to start her treatment. Mrs. Douglas was educated on her
diagnosis, the antibiotic prescribed, and the side effects. She was also educated on how to take
her medications appropriately. She verbalized understanding of all instructions.
Pathophysiology
Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is an acute infection in the lungs
obtained outside of the hospital or healthcare setting. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or
fungus. Streptococcus Pneumoniae is the most common infective organism. In addition, some
factors can increase the risk of CAP, such as smoking, chronic lung disease, weakened immune
system, or other medical problems. CAP is characterized by an inflammation of the lunch
parenchyma and most commonly caused by aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions. The alveoli
of the lungs are overwhelmed by alveolar macrophages to destroy the intruding vector. This
response reduces the area of oxygen exchange. The inflammatory reaction produces an exudate
that inhibits the diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The build-up of secretions and increase
of mucosal oedema occlude the bronchi and alveoli. Pneumonia can attack the lung lobes, called
Lobar Pneumonia or different parts of the bronchi called BronchopneumoniaThe symptoms can
include shortness of breath, productive cough with colored secretions, pain in the chest, or back,
fatigue, and loss of appetite. It is the most common and most contagious form of pneumonia.
Severe CAP has a high mortality rate with significant morbidity with up to 10% will require
critical care admission. ("Antibiotic-infections-treat.com," 2018)
Pharmacology Treatments
The antibiotic treatment that should be prescribed is dependent upon the patient, past
medical history, and current medications. Mrs. Douglas presented with a history of hypertension
and acute renal disease; therefore, it was determined that Doxycycline should be prescribed.
Doxycycline is in the class of tetracyclines and works by inhibiting bacteria's growth, giving the
immune system a chance to eliminate the infection. Mrs. Douglas was educated that she could
take the medication with or without food as eating does not affect absorption. She was also
educated that the drug would increase her sensitivity to light. She verbalized understand of the
This study source was downloaded by 100000845738910 from CourseHero.com on 04-22-2022 12:47:40 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/92704974/Shadow-Health-CAPdocx/
Shadow Health Introduction
Anita Douglas, a 72-year-old African American female, was recently diagnosed with
Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP). She reported symptoms of coughing, congestion,
constant chest pain, and increased fatigue for three days. She also stated she had an elevation in
temperature up to 100.1. Mrs. Douglas indicated her husband, Jeffery, took her to see a provider
after her temperature spiked. Mrs. Douglas had normal vital signs except for the elevated
temperature of 100.9. A thorough history and physical was obtained, along with a sputum
culture. It was decided to start Mrs. Douglas on Doxycycline for her symptoms as it would not
interfere with her current medications for hypertension and kidney disease. Mrs. Douglas
indicated she would be able to have her husband pick up her prescriptions, and there would be no
financial burden to the family to start her treatment. Mrs. Douglas was educated on her
diagnosis, the antibiotic prescribed, and the side effects. She was also educated on how to take
her medications appropriately. She verbalized understanding of all instructions.
Pathophysiology
Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is an acute infection in the lungs
obtained outside of the hospital or healthcare setting. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or
fungus. Streptococcus Pneumoniae is the most common infective organism. In addition, some
factors can increase the risk of CAP, such as smoking, chronic lung disease, weakened immune
system, or other medical problems. CAP is characterized by an inflammation of the lunch
parenchyma and most commonly caused by aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions. The alveoli
of the lungs are overwhelmed by alveolar macrophages to destroy the intruding vector. This
response reduces the area of oxygen exchange. The inflammatory reaction produces an exudate
that inhibits the diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The build-up of secretions and increase
of mucosal oedema occlude the bronchi and alveoli. Pneumonia can attack the lung lobes, called
Lobar Pneumonia or different parts of the bronchi called BronchopneumoniaThe symptoms can
include shortness of breath, productive cough with colored secretions, pain in the chest, or back,
fatigue, and loss of appetite. It is the most common and most contagious form of pneumonia.
Severe CAP has a high mortality rate with significant morbidity with up to 10% will require
critical care admission. ("Antibiotic-infections-treat.com," 2018)
Pharmacology Treatments
The antibiotic treatment that should be prescribed is dependent upon the patient, past
medical history, and current medications. Mrs. Douglas presented with a history of hypertension
and acute renal disease; therefore, it was determined that Doxycycline should be prescribed.
Doxycycline is in the class of tetracyclines and works by inhibiting bacteria's growth, giving the
immune system a chance to eliminate the infection. Mrs. Douglas was educated that she could
take the medication with or without food as eating does not affect absorption. She was also
educated that the drug would increase her sensitivity to light. She verbalized understand of the
This study source was downloaded by 100000845738910 from CourseHero.com on 04-22-2022 12:47:40 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/92704974/Shadow-Health-CAPdocx/
