Nursing Interventions for Pneumonia

Pneumonia, acute infection of the lung parenchyma, interstitial lung tissue in which fluid and blood cells escape into the alveoli. that often impairs gas exchange. Pneumonia classified in several ways.

Based on microbiological etiology origin:

• Viral
• Bacterial
• Fungal
• Protozoa
• Mycobacterium
• Mycoplasmal
• Rickettsial

Based in location, pneumonia can be classified:

Bronchopneumonia, Bronchopneumonia involves distal airways and alveoli
Lobular pneumonia or lobar pneumonia. In this pneumonia involves part of a lobe; and lobar pneumonia, an entire lobe

The infection is also classified as one of three types:

Primary pneumonia

Primary pneumonia results directly from inhalation or aspiration of a pathogen, such as bacteria or a virus; it includes pneumococcal and viral pneumonia.

Secondary pneumonia

Secondary pneumonia may follow initial lung damage from a noxious chemical or other insult (superinfection) or may result from hematogenous spread of bacteria from a distant area.

Aspiration pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia results from inhalation of foreign matter, such as stomach contents vomitus or food particles, into the bronchi. It’s more likely to occur in elderly or debilitated patients, those receiving nasogastric tube feedings, higher prevalence those with an impaired gag reflex, poor oral hygiene, or a decreased level of consciousness.

Nursing Interventions for Pneumonia

Intervention and Rationale:
I. Assess for:

• Respiratory status including rate, depth, ease, shallow or irregular breathing, dyspnea, use of accesory muscles, and diminished breath sounds, rhonchi or crackles on auscultation - provides data baseline.
• Changes in mental status, skin color, cyanosis - indicates possible decrease in oxygenation.
• Quality of cough and ability to raise secretions including consistency and characteristics od sputum - removal of secretions prevents obstruction of airways and stasis leading to further infection and consolidation of lungs; clearing airways facilitates breathing.

II. Monitor, record, describe:
Respiratory rate, quality and breath sounds q2-q4 - indicates airway resistance, air movement, severity of disease.

• ABGs, oximeter reading - decreased oxygen levels result in hypoxemia.

III. Administer:

• Oxygen therapy via cannula - maintain optimal oxygen level.
• Antitussives/expectorants (terpin hydrate, guaifenesin) - acts on bronchial cells to increase fluid production and promote expectoration; guaifenesin reduces surface tension of secretions; both relieve non-productive cough
• Mucolytic (acetylcysteine) - decrease viscosity of mucus for easier removal.
• Antibiotic (ampicillin, cephalexin) - acts by binding to cell wall organisms preventing synthesis and destroying pathogens.

IV. Perform or Provide:

• Position of comfort in semi or high fowlers and change position q2h - facilitates breathng and allows for full expansion of lungs.
• Encourage coughing if sounds is moist; if dry and hacking, increase fluid intake and administer cough suppresant - reduces continual irritation to throat and liquefies secretions.
• Coughing and deep breathing exercise q2h; use incintive spirometer 5-10 breaths if tolerated - coughing clears airway by propelling secretions to mouth deep breathing promoes ventilation and prolongs expiratory phase.
• Assist with coughing by splinting chest; humidified air with cool mist - loosens seretions and improves ventilation, moistens mucous membranes
• Postural drainage and percussion PRN - mobilizes secretion.
• Suction secretions if cough ineffective - removal if unable to bring up secretions.
• Oral care after expectoration and provide tissues and bag for disposal - promotes comfort and prevents transmission of organisms to others.