Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection and inflammatory process involving the lung tissue, especially the alveoli where gas exchange occurs. As alveoli fill with inflammatory exudate, oxygen transfer becomes less effective and the work of breathing rises. The bedside priority is not the colour of the sputum. It is the trajectory of oxygenation, respiratory effort, circulation, and mental status. A patient who is becoming confused, hypotensive, or increasingly dependent on oxygen may be progressing from a localized lung infection to respiratory failure or sepsis. For an RPN, the clinical sequence is straightforward: recognize the respiratory pattern, assess severity, support breathing within the order and facility policy, administer prescribed therapy safely, and escalate deterioration without delay. RPN scope and delegation requirements vary across Canadian jurisdictions, so follow provincial standards, employer policy, and the direction of the RN, NP, or physician.