pneumo

Pneumonia: Assessment

Pneumonia: An infection in lung tissues causes the alveoli to become swollen and porous (as in the above diagram), so red and white blood cells move from the bloodstream into the alveoli. The alveoli become filled, or consolidated, with bacteria, fluid and blood cells that replace air.

Assessment findings include:
Inspection	increased respiratory rate increased pulse rate guarding and lag on expansion on affected side children with pneumonia may have nasal flaring and/or intercostal and sternal retractions
Palpation	chest expansion decreased on involved side tactile fremitus is increased
Percussion	dull over affected area
Auscultation	breath sounds louder than normal. bronchophony, egophony, whispered pectoriloquy present Crackles, fine to medium

Instant Feedback:

A patient with pneumonia may be expected to have louder than normal breath sounds, and increased tactile fremitus.

From the University of Utah:

See the distinct appearance of the consolidated lower lobe of lobar pneumonia
Now distinguish between the consolidated and aerated tissue on this photomicrograph
The neutrophils (alveolar exudate) and dilated alveolar capillaries are seen on this slide, typical of bacterial pneumonia.

Also, the American Lung Association's site for info on pneumonia