VI.

Ecologic Model
A. Hypotheses
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the one or both lungs, usually caused by an infection.
Three common causes are bacteria, viruses and fungi. You can also get pneumonia by
accidentally inhaling liquid or other microorganisms and sometimes by physical and
chemical irritants. People most at risk are older than 65 or younger than 2 years of age,
or already have health problems. ach individual is unique in their degree of reactivity to
environmental triggers. This naturally influences the type and dose of medication
prescribed, !hich may vary from one individual to another. Pneumonia is caused by
environmental and genetic factors, !hich can influence ho! severe pneumonia is and
ho! !ell it responds to medication. "nderlying both environmental and genetic factors is
the role of the upper air!ay in recogni#ing the perceived dangers and protecting the
more vulnerable lungs by shutting do!n the air!ay.
$ommunity %cquired Pneumonia is an acute infection of the pulmonary parenchyma that
is associated !ith at least some symptoms of acute infection, accompanied by the
presence of an acute infiltrate on a chest radiograph, or auscultatory findings consistent
!ith pneumonia, in a patient not hospitali#ed or residing in a long term care facility for &
'( days before onset of symptoms.
B. Predisposing Factors
Host
- lderly )*( years +ld,
- -ecurrent pneumonia
- .ip /racture
- .istory of $olon $ancer
Environment
- 0ed ridden. "nable to turn. 1evelopment of bacteria
Agent
- Presence of S. pneumoniae,
B. Ecologic Model
Agent-Host Environment
D. Analysis
This is useful for e2amining causes of disease in an individual. 3t is useful in predicting
illness rather than promoting !ellness, although identification of risk factors that result
from the interaction of agent, host environment are helpful in promoting and maintaining
health. 0ecause each of the agent4host4environment factors constantly interacts !ith
others, health is an ever4changing state.
The agent4host4environment model is primarily used in predicting illness rather than
promoting !ellness, although identification of risk factors that result from the interaction
of agent, host, and environment are helpful in promoting and maintaining health.
0ecause each of the agent4host4environment factors constantly interacts !ith others,
health is an ever changing state. .ealth is seen !hen all three elements are in balance
!hile illness is seen !hen one, t!o, or all three elements are not in balance.
)/undamentals of 5ursing by 6o#ier 277(,
8hen pneumonia is caused by bacteria, an infected adult9elder usually becomes sick
relatively quickly and e2periences the sudden onset of high fever and unusually rapid
Environment
Bed ridden.
Unable to
turn.
Development
of bacteria
Host
-Elderly
- Recurrent
Pneumonia
-Hip Fracture
-History of
Colon cancer
Agent
-Presence of S.
pneumoniae,
breathing. 8hen pneumonia is caused by viruses, symptoms tend to appear more
gradually and are often less severe than in bacterial pneumonia. 8hee#ing may be more
common in viral pneumonia.
)6ids .ealth from 5ermour by Yamini 1urani 27'',
3f you:re age 65 or older, particularly if you have other conditions that make you
more prone to developing pneumonia, you:re at increased risk of pneumonia. People
!ho are hospitali#ed have a higher risk for developing pneumonia than those !ho are
not. .ospitali#ed patients are particularly vulnerable to gram4negative bacteria and
staphylococci, !hich can be very dangerous, particularly in people !ho are already ill.
-ecurrent pneumonia, if a person inhales fluid )aspirates, from the esophagus into the
lungs, it may trigger inflammation in these upper passages.
E Conclsion and !ecommendations
3t can be inferred in the statements above that the client is suffering from
Pneumonia, and can probably be caused by the lo!ered immune system of the client
from the identified pre4disposing risk factors.
8e therefore conclude that our hypothesis is correct because the client had
$ommunity %cquired Pneumonia $omplained !ho complained of difficulty of breathing,
patient had productive cough, 8hee#ing sounds in the lungs and crackles sounds in the
lungs.
Typically, oral antibiotics, rest, fluids, and home care are sufficient for complete
resolution. .o!ever, people !ho are having trouble breathing, !ith other medical
problems, and the elderly may need greater care. 3f the symptoms get !orse, the
pneumonia does not improve !ith home treatment, or complications occur, then
hospitali#ed may be recommended. +2ygen therapy, 5ebuli#ation, %ntibiotic therapy,
and 3ntravenous /luid therapy may be needed. +ver the counter cough medicine has not
been found to be helpful in pneumonia.