Overview Pneumonia is an acute infection/inflammation of the lung tissue, especially the alveoli. The alveoli fill with fluid, pus, and inflammatory debris, which impairs gas exchange and can lead to hypoxemia, respiratory distress, sepsis, or respiratory failure. Diagnosis is usually based on clinical findings plus imaging such as chest x-ray; some newer adult CAP guidance also recognizes lung ultrasound as an acceptable alternative in settings with trained clinicians. For RN practice, pneumonia is not just “a cough.” The RN priority is to recognize oxygenation decline, increased work of breathing, sepsis risk, aspiration risk, and deterioration despite treatment. 2. Types of Pneumonia Type Meaning RN Focus Community-Acquired Pneumonia — CAP Pneumonia acquired outside hospital or long-term acute care Early recognition, oxygenation, antibiotics, hydration, discharge teaching Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia — HAP Pneumonia developing after hospitalization Higher concern for resistant organisms, frailty, immobility, aspiration Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia — VAP Pneumonia occurring at least 48 hours after endotracheal intubation or around extubation period Oral care, HOB elevation, suctioning, sedation readiness, ventilator bundle awareness Aspiration Pneumonia Inhalation of oral/gastric contents causing infection or chemical injury Swallow...
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