Nursing Diagnosis for Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue affecting one or both sides of the chest that often occurs as a result of an infection. Infection can be caused by a lot of different micro-organisms – viruses (eg respiratory syncytial virus), bacteria, fungi (eg histoplasmosis) and parasites. In addition to infection, pneumonia can also be caused by corrosive chemicals breathed into the lungs or toxic smoke inhalation from a fire.

Rarely, pneumonia can result from you breathing in something that you are allergic to. This may be related to a hobby or to your employment. The medical term for pneumonia caused by an allergy is extrinsic allergic alveolitis. An example of this condition is farmer’s lung, caused by breathing in the dust from mouldy hay.

Pneumonia is still a common disease affecting around 1 per cent of the adult UK population each year. Many people die from it every year, most commonly women and especially people over the age of 70. The overall death rate due to pneumonia is currently 5 per cent, ie around 1 in 20 people contracting the condition die from it.

Half of all pneumonia cases are caused by bacteria. The bacteria, known as streptococcus pneumoniae is the main cause of the most typical pneumonia.

Nursing Diagnosis for Pneumonia

1. Impaired Gas Exchange related to impaired oxygen delivery.
2. Risk for Infection related to inadequate primary defenses.
3. Ineffective airway clearance related to the formation of edema.
4. Activity Intolerance related to insufficiency of oxygen for everyday activities.