BRONCHOPNEUMONIA

Acute inflammation of the walls of the smaller bronchial tubes, with irregular areas of consolidation due to spread of the inflammation into the peribronchiolar alveoli and the alveolar ducts of the lungs. Also called bronchial pneumonia

Causes of Bronchopneumonia

Bronchopneumonia is closely associated with hospital-acquired pneumonia. In a person suffering from bronchopneumonia, bacteria invade the lungs, which results to an inflammatory immune response. This reaction of the lungs leads to the filling of the alveolar sacs with exudates. As a result, consolidation takes place: a condition wherein the air space in the lungs is replaced with fluids.

Signs & Symptoms

Fever Cough Chest Pain Fatigue Shortness of Breath Chills And Fever Rapid Shallow Breathing Coughing Up Blood Chest Pain Coughing Up Yellow Sputum

Treatments

Oxygen Therapy is a term that describes a number

of different practices in which oxygen, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide are administered via gas or water to kill disease microorganisms, improve cellular function, and promote the healing of damaged tissues.

Rest Chest Drainage Therapy involves the removal of air,

blood, pus, or other secretions from the chest cavity.

Risk Factors
Elderly Smoking Immunologic Deficiency Disorders Immobilization of Body Part Hospital Admission Long Term Illness

Medications
Antibiotics Humidified oxygen Antitussives Analgesics Bronchodilators

Complications
Septic distribution to the pneumonia agents through the blood with the development of otitis, meningitis, brain abscess, endocarditis. Pleura damage pleurisy, pleural effusion, pleural empyema. Recurrent pneumonia, affecting other lung sections. Chronic pneumonia Cardiovascular disease Respiratory deficiency Thromboembolic complications due to bed rest Acute renal insufficiency in dehydration Bronchioectasis (a chronic necrotizing infection of bronchi & bronchioles causing abnormal permanent dilation of these airways).

Tests
Chest X-Ray Physical Examination Sputum Fungal Smear Examination CBC Sputum Culture Test X-Ray

Prevention
Smoking Cessation Wash your hands often, especially after:

Blowing your nose Going to the bathroom Diapering Also wash your hands before eating or preparing foods. Don't smoke. Tobacco damages your lung's ability to ward off infection.

Nursing interventions
Administer prescribed drugs Administer prescribed I.V. fluids and electrolyte replacement Maintain a patent airway and adequate oxygenation Administer prescribed supplemental oxygen. Administer oxygen cautiously if the patient has chronic lung disease. Suction the patient, as needed.

Obtain sputum specimens, as needed. Provide a high-calorie, high-protein diet of soft foods. Administer supplemental oral feedings, NG tube feedings, or parenteral nutrition, if needed. Take steps to prevent aspiration during NG feedings. Dispose of secretions properly. Provide a quiet, calm environment with frequent rest periods. Include the patient in care decisions whenever possible.