Pediatric Nursing Demystified

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Pneumonia

What Went Wrong?

Pneumonia is an acute inflammation of the pulmonary parenchyma associated

with alveolar consolidation.Viruses such as the following are primary

causative agents:

Cytomegalovirus

Influenza

Adenovirus

RSV

Bacterial pneumonia most often caused by mycoplasma pneumonia occurs

less frequently in children. Pneumonia can be classified as

Lobar

Interstitial or

Bronchial

Lobar, as indicated, involves a significant portion of the lung; interstitial pneumonia

includes the alveolar walls and peribronchial, and interlobular tissues. Bronchial

pneumonia, as suggested by its name, involves the bronchi and lung fields.

Signs and Symptoms

Clinical manifestations include

Cough

Malaise

Fever

Prostration

Anorexia

Breath sounds

Wheezes

Fine crackles

Headache

Tachypnea

Wheezing

Gastrointestinal upset

Test Results

Diagnosis is based on physical findings and a sputum culture.

Chest films demonstrate the extent and location of the involvement.

Treatment

The course of treatment is managed according to the etiology of the disease.

Treatment for viral pneumonia is supportive to relieve symptoms.

Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotic therapy.

The objective of treatment is effective ventilation and prevention of

dehydration.

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CHAPTER 5/ Respiratory Conditions^81