Lung abscess is defined as necrosis of the pulmonary tissue and formation of cavities containing necrotic debris or fluid caused by microbial infection. The formation of multiple small (< 2 cm) abscesses is occasionally referred to as necrotizing pneumonia or lung gangrene. Both lung abscess and necrotizing pneumonia are manifestations of a similar pathologic process. Failure to recognize and treat lung abscess is associated with poor clinical outcome.
In the 1920s, approximately one third of patients with lung abscess died; Dr David Smith postulated that aspiration of oral bacteria was the mechanism of infection. He observed that the bacteria found in the walls of the lung abscesses at autopsy resembled the bacteria noted in the gingival crevice. A typical lung abscess could be reproduced in animal models via an intratracheal inoculum containing, not 1, but 4 microbes, thought to be Fusobacterium nucleatum, Peptostreptococcus species, a fastidious gram-negative anaerobe, and, possibly, Prevotella melaninogenicus.
Nursing Diagnosis for Lung Abscess
Nursing Diagnosis for Lung Abscess
- Hyperthermia related to the direct effects of circulating endotoxin, on the hypothalamus.
- Ineffective Airway Clearance related to bronchoconstriction, increased production of secretions, retained secretions, ineffective cough, and infections bronkopulmonal.
- Impaired Gas Exchange related to oxygen supply disruptions and damage to the alveoli.
- Pain related to pulmonary parenchymal inflammation, cellular reaction to the toxin circulation, cough settled.
- Activity Intolerance related to imbalance between supply and demand of oxygen, general weakness, fatigue associated with excessive coughing and dipsneu.
- Knowledge Deficit related to lack of information, misunderstanding about the information, cognitive limitations.