CARE PLAN FOR PNEUMONIA
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by a bacteria, virus, or fungus. In healthy individuals,
pneumonia is not usually life-threatening and does not require hospitalization. Those at higher risk, such
as the very young or old, patients with compromised immune systems, or who already have a respiratory
comorbidity, may require inpatient care and treatment.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), which presents after the patient has been admitted for 48 hours, is
often attributed to antibiotic resistance. Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) develops in patients in
other healthcare settings, such as nursing homes. Patients admitted to intensive care units receiving
ventilator support are at risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). These critically ill patients have
a high mortality rate of 25-50%.
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) occurs outside of the hospital or facility setting. Droplets often
spread the bacteria or virus through coughing or sneezing, which the person then inhales. Touching an
infected object and touching your nose or mouth can also transfer the germs.
CONTENT
Nursing Process
Nursing Assessment
Review of Health History
Physical Assessment
Diagnostic Procedures
Nursing Interventions
Nursing Care Plans
Nursing Process
A nurse must understand how to monitor for worsening infections, complications, and the rationales for
treatment.
Nurses also play a role in preventing pneumonia through giving the patient education concerning the
disease. Patients with compromised immune systems, such as those with COPD, HIV, or autoimmune
diseases, should be educated on their risks and how to protect themselves. Smoking further increases the
risk of developing pneumonia and should be avoided. Nurses should assess for and encourage pneumonia
vaccines for eligible populations.
Nursing Assessment
The nurse gathers physical, psycho-social, emotional, and diagnostic data.
Review of Health History
1. Assess the patient’s general symptoms.
Symptoms may vary depending on the cause, patient’s age, and overall health. These include:
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by a bacteria, virus, or fungus. In healthy individuals,
pneumonia is not usually life-threatening and does not require hospitalization. Those at higher risk, such
as the very young or old, patients with compromised immune systems, or who already have a respiratory
comorbidity, may require inpatient care and treatment.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), which presents after the patient has been admitted for 48 hours, is
often attributed to antibiotic resistance. Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) develops in patients in
other healthcare settings, such as nursing homes. Patients admitted to intensive care units receiving
ventilator support are at risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). These critically ill patients have
a high mortality rate of 25-50%.
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) occurs outside of the hospital or facility setting. Droplets often
spread the bacteria or virus through coughing or sneezing, which the person then inhales. Touching an
infected object and touching your nose or mouth can also transfer the germs.
CONTENT
Nursing Process
Nursing Assessment
Review of Health History
Physical Assessment
Diagnostic Procedures
Nursing Interventions
Nursing Care Plans
Nursing Process
A nurse must understand how to monitor for worsening infections, complications, and the rationales for
treatment.
Nurses also play a role in preventing pneumonia through giving the patient education concerning the
disease. Patients with compromised immune systems, such as those with COPD, HIV, or autoimmune
diseases, should be educated on their risks and how to protect themselves. Smoking further increases the
risk of developing pneumonia and should be avoided. Nurses should assess for and encourage pneumonia
vaccines for eligible populations.
Nursing Assessment
The nurse gathers physical, psycho-social, emotional, and diagnostic data.
Review of Health History
1. Assess the patient’s general symptoms.
Symptoms may vary depending on the cause, patient’s age, and overall health. These include:
