WHAT IS PNEUMONIA?

1.

Pneumonia is an inflammation of
your lungsstate.
, usually caused by an infection.
There are many different types of
pneumonia, most are caused by a
bacteria, virus, or fungus.
Pneumonia is often a complication
of another illness, such as the flu,
when your body is already in a
weakened

TEST & TREATMENT You will

probably receive a chest X-ray, have
blood drawn, and be asked to spit
some phlegm into a specimen cup.
Doctors and nurses will be listening to
your breathing, checking your heart
rate, blood pressure, and how much
oxygen your lungs are getting.

If you have been on oxygen, the goal today will be

that you have improved and do not need it anymore.
If you still need oxygen, your physician may order it
for home use. You may still be having blood drawn so
the doctor can tell how you are responding to
treatment.

DIET
It is important to drink plenty of fluids and eat as much as you
can, as your body will need the nutrition to help you get better.
Please ask your physician about any dietary restrictions

ACTIVITY
Rest is very important and we want you to rest as
much as you possibly can. It is also important to
increase your activity as soon as possible, so your
nurse may have you sit in a chair for a meal or walk
to the bathroom, if you able to

MEDICATION
Your physician will order an antibiotic for you, which your nurse will
be :
1)-giving to you through an I.V. If ordered,
2)- a respiratory therapist will administer a breathing treatment.
3)- You may also need medicine to reduce your fever or pain. 4)-Your
nurse will talk to you about getting immunizations for pneumonia
and the flu.
5)- You may be given some medicine to prevent blood clots, as you
will be spending some time in bed.
6)-The doctor will stop the medicine once you are walking more.
7)-Your nurse will ask for a list of all the medications you were taking
at home and your doctor will let us know if he wants you to continue
taking them while you are in the hospital.

TEACHING
The nurses will teach you to cough and breathe deeply. This will help
you clear your lungs. If you are on medicine to help prevent blood clots,
the nurse will teach you about this medication. You will be given a
patient education packet on pneumonia and your care plan while in the
hospital. Please ask questions, voice concerns, and take an active role
in your treatment. You and your nurse will discuss your pain and how
we can help manage it. You know your physical, emotional and
nutritional needs, so it is important that we all work together to help
you recover from this illness. If you are a smoker, you will be given a
smoking cessation packet to review.