Case Study
Case Study
A CASE STUDY ON
COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED
PNEUMONIA
(MODERATE RISK)
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Submitted to:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................................................
V. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY ...................................................................................................................................
IX. REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................................
St. Paul University Philippines
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Tel: 078-396-1987 to 1997
Fax: 078-846-4305
[Link]
SCHOOL OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
College of Nursing
First Semester, AY 2024-2025
I. INTRODUCTION
Pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalization and death among elderly adults. It is an infection
that affects one or both lungs. It causes the air sacs, or alveoli, of the lungs to fill up with fluid or pus.
Bacteria, viruses, or fungi may cause pneumonia. The lungs are made up of small sacs called alveoli,
which fill with air when a healthy person breathes. When an individual has pneumonia, the alveoli are
filled with pus and fluid, which makes breathing painful and limits oxygen intake. These infections are
generally spread by direct contact with infected people (World Health Organization). For elderly
individuals, factors such as weakened or suppressed immunity, comorbidities, diminished cough reflex,
and poor functional status contribute to the increased incidence of pneumonia compared with that of
younger adults.
Symptoms can range from mild to serious and may include a cough with or without mucus (a
slimy substance), fever, chills, and trouble breathing (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2022).
One or more of the following tests may be ordered to evaluate for pneumonia:
● Chest x-ray: An x-ray exam will allow the doctor to see the lungs, heart and blood vessels to help
determine pneumonia. When interpreting the x-ray, the radiologist will look for white spots in the
lungs (called infiltrates) that identify an infection. This exam will also help determine any
complications related to pneumonia such as abscesses or pleural effusions (fluid surrounding the
lungs).
● CT of the lungs: A CT scan of the chest may be done to see finer details within the lungs and
detect pneumonia that may be more difficult to see on a plain x-ray. A CT scan also shows the
airway (trachea and bronchi) in great detail and can help determine if pneumonia may be related
to a problem within the airway. A CT scan can also show complications of pneumonia, abscesses
or pleural effusions and enlarged lymph nodes.
● Ultrasound of the chest: Ultrasound may be used if fluid surrounding the lungs is suspected. An
ultrasound exam will help determine how much fluid is present and can aid in determining the
cause of the fluid.
● Needle biopsy of the lung: The doctor may request a biopsy of the lung(s) to determine the cause
of pneumonia. This procedure involves removing several small samples from the lung(s) and
examining them. Biopsies of the lung can be done using x-ray, CT, ultrasound and/or MRI.
The following image-guided treatments may be used for pneumonia:
● Thoracentesis: Fluid may be taken from the chest cavity and studied to help doctors determine
which germ is causing the illness. X-ray, CT and/or ultrasound may be used during thoracentesis.
The fluid removed during this procedure may also help provide symptom relief.
● Chest tube placement: During this procedure, also known as thoracostomy, a thin plastic tube is
inserted into the pleural space (the area between the chest wall and lungs. The tube can help
remove excess fluid or air. The procedure is performed under the guidance of CT or ultrasound.
● Image-guided abscess drainage: Image-guidance helps direct placement of a needle into the
abscess cavity and can aid during insertion of a drainage tube. If an abscess has formed in the
lungs, it may be drained by inserting a small drainage tube (catheter). Image guidance, including
fluoroscopy, x-ray, ultrasound or CT, is used.
Pneumonia is typically categorized based on where it is acquired.
● Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) occurs outside of healthcare settings and is often
contracted through inhalation or aspiration of bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can
affect anyone, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, chest pain, and cough.
● Nosocomial pneumonia is acquired within a hospital setting and includes both hospital-acquired
pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
St. Paul University Philippines
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Tel: 078-396-1987 to 1997
Fax: 078-846-4305
[Link]
SCHOOL OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
College of Nursing
First Semester, AY 2024-2025
According to the World Health Organization, pneumonia killed more than 808 000 children under
the age of 5 in 2017, accounting for 15% of all deaths of children under 5 years. People at-risk for
pneumonia also include adults over the age of 65 and people with preexisting health problems.
The number of deaths among those aged 70 and older increased — from around 600,000 in 1990
to over 1 million in 2019. This is largely because of a growing and aging population. The death rate from
pneumonia in this age group fell slightly. The risk factors for developing pneumonia in people aged 70
and older are similar to the risk factors that lead to pneumonia in children. Outdoor air pollution — small
particulate matter air pollution — is a major risk factor for dying from pneumonia, as you can see in the
chart. In addition, smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke are also important risk factors (Dadonaite
B., Roser M. 2024).
Findings suggest that the number of hospital admissions among individuals aged ≥65 years in
industrialized countries was comparable to the number of admissions in developing countries (ie, 3.1
million and 3.7 million, respectively). This may be partially explained by the high proportion of older
adults and low thresholds for hospital admission in industrialized countries and poor care-seeking
behavior in developing countries (Global and Regional Burden of Hospital Admissions for Pneumonia in
Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, 2020).
Age 75 y/o
Sex Male
Nationality Filipino
Occupation Farmer
Chief Complaint
Patient A.R was admitted to CUDMC on the 5th of February 2025. Patient A.R have Cough: Left Sided Body
Weakness.
The presence of neurological symptoms, pallor, and hypoxia raised concerns for a possible stroke or
other neurological event, warranting further evaluation and management.
III. The patient has a history of hypertension, as indicated by the use of nicardipine, a calcium
channel blocker prescribed for blood pressure management. The patient has also used a nebulizer,
suggesting a possible underlying respiratory condition such as asthma or chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, the patient was given cefuroxime (Ceflu), an antibiotic
that may have been prescribed for a recent or ongoing bacterial infection. There are no reported
allergies for the patient.
St. Paul University Philippines
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Tel: 078-396-1987 to 1997
Fax: 078-846-4305
[Link]
SCHOOL OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
College of Nursing
First Semester, AY 2024-2025
Skin Color, Inspection, Evenly colored skin The skin is brown ABNORMAL
texture, Palpation tone without unusual complexion and is warm
temperat discoloration seen; touch. Blisters on right These signs indicate
ure Smooth with no arm, right thigh and in skin integrity
presence of lesion, both ankles noted. Grade compromise likely due
the skin is warm, and 2 pressure ulcer on the to immobility, pressure,
it immediately recoil buttocks are also seen. or infection, requiring
prompt assessment,
wound care, and
preventive measures.
ABNORMAL
Tone Percussion Resonance is the Dullness to percussion
percussion tone Dull percussive
elicited over normal sounds are indicative
lung tissue. of abnormal lung
Percussion elicits density including
flat tones over the pneumonia
scapula.
ABNORMAL
Diaphrag Percussion Excursion is should Weak diaphragmatic Diaphragmatic
matic be equal bilaterally excursion weakness is caused by
excursio and measure 3-5 inflammatory factors
n cm and infectious factors
such as pneumonia
St. Paul University Philippines
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Tel: 078-396-1987 to 1997
Fax: 078-846-4305
[Link]
SCHOOL OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
College of Nursing
First Semester, AY 2024-2025
Hands Size, Inspection and Hands and feet are The hands and feet are ABNORMAL
and feet shape, Palpation symmetric, symmetric. Blisters on
symmetr nontender, and the ankle are noted. The findings show
y, without nodules, no Edema on the left and blisters on the ankle,
swelling, swelling, right hand and feet are possibly due to
and deformities. noted.
friction, pressure, or
color.
infection. Symmetric
hands and feet
suggest no deformity
or trauma. Edema in
both hands and feet
indicates fluid
retention, potentially
from heart failure,
kidney disease, or
venous
insufficiency.
dust, debris, and pathogens in mucus. Simultaneously, it warms and humidifies the air to protect
the delicate tissues in the lower respiratory tract.
B. Pharynx (Throat): Acting as a shared passageway for both the respiratory and digestive systems,
the pharynx ensures air moves from the nasal cavity or mouth to the windpipe. It also plays a
critical role in swallowing, directing food toward the esophagus.
C. Larynx (Voice Box): The larynx produces sound through vocal cord vibrations and prevents food
from entering the trachea by coordinating with the epiglottis. This mechanism ensures safe
separation between the respiratory and digestive pathways.
Lower Respiratory Tract
1. Trachea (Windpipe): The trachea is a sturdy tube lined with ciliated cells and mucus to filter and
transport air to the lungs. Its cartilage rings maintain its structure, ensuring unobstructed airflow.
2. Primary Bronchi: At the carina, the trachea splits into the right and left primary bronchi, which
enter each lung through the hilum. These large airways deliver air to the lungs for further
distribution.
3. Bronchioles: The primary bronchi subdivide into smaller bronchi, eventually forming
bronchioles. These tiny branches ensure even distribution of air within the lungs and regulate
airflow resistance.
4. Alveoli: At the end of the bronchioles are alveoli, microscopic air sacs surrounded by a dense
network of capillaries. This is the site of gas exchange, where oxygen enters the blood, and
carbon dioxide is expelled.
● Oxygen-rich air enters the upper respiratory tract (nose, nasal cavities, larynx) and moves through
the trachea, which divides into the right and left primary bronchi at the carina.
● The primary bronchi and blood vessels from the heart (pulmonary artery and vein) enter the lungs
at the hilum.
● The bronchi divide into smaller airways, including secondary (lobar) and tertiary (segmental)
bronchi, leading to bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveolar sacs where gas exchange occurs.
● The diaphragm facilitates breathing by contracting downward to create negative pressure,
drawing air into the lungs, and relaxing to expel air.
● The alveolar sacs contain capillaries that support gas exchange. The pulmonary artery delivers
deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation, while the pulmonary vein carries oxygenated
blood back to the heart.
● Oxygen crosses the thin membrane of alveolar capillaries to bind to red blood cells, while carbon
dioxide, a metabolic waste product, moves from the blood into the lungs to be exhaled.
V. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
St. Paul University Philippines
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Tel: 078-396-1987 to 1997
Fax: 078-846-4305
[Link]
SCHOOL OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
College of Nursing
First Semester, AY 2024-2025
St. Paul University Philippines
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Tel: 078-396-1987 to 1997
Fax: 078-846-4305
[Link]
SCHOOL OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
College of Nursing
First Semester, AY 2024-2025
Generic Name
Ketoanalogue
Drug Classification
Amino Acid Supplement/Nutritional Supplement
Drug Action/s
Ketoanalogues are synthetic compounds that resemble amino acids. These are used to provide essential
amino acids while minimizing the production of nitrogenous waste products, such as urea, in patients with
chronic kidney disease (CKD). This helps reduce the burden on the kidneys by decreasing the accumulation
of toxic waste, improving protein metabolism without further stressing kidney function.
Route: PO
Frequency: OD
Indication/s for administering medication to the patient
Chronic Kidney Disease
Protein Energy Wasting
Preventive therapy for patients at risk of kidney failure.
St. Paul University Philippines
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Tel: 078-396-1987 to 1997
Fax: 078-846-4305
[Link]
SCHOOL OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
College of Nursing
First Semester, AY 2024-2025
Contraindication
● Severe liver dysfunction or hepatic failure.
● Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in the ketoanalogue product.
Generic Name
Febuxostat
Drug Classification
● Xanthine oxidase inhibitor
● Antigout Agentst
Drug Action/s
Febuxostat works by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in the production of uric acid. By
reducing the production of uric acid, it helps prevent the formation of urate crystals, which cause gout and
hyperuricemia. This lowers serum uric acid levels and helps to prevent gout attacks and related
complications.
Dose Frequency and route of administration (Doctor’s order)
Route: PO
Dosage: 40 mg/tab
Frequency: OD
Indication/s for administering medication to the patient
Chronic Gout
Hyperuricemia
Gout attack prevention
Contraindication
● Hypersensitivity to febuxostat or any of its components.
● Concomitant use with azathioprine or mercaptopurine, due to increased risk of severe toxicity.
● Severe liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis or hepatic failure).
● History of cardiovascular disease (use cautiously, especially in patients with a history of stroke or
heart failure).
St. Paul University Philippines
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Tel: 078-396-1987 to 1997
Fax: 078-846-4305
[Link]
SCHOOL OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
College of Nursing
First Semester, AY 2024-2025
Generic Name
Ferrous Sulfate + Folic Acid
Drug Classification
Hematinic
Iron supplement
Vitamin (B9) supplement
Drug Action/s
Ferrous Sulfate replenishes iron stores, needed for hemoglobin production and oxygen transport in
red blood cells white Folic Acid (FA) is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation,
and tissue growth. Together, they help prevent and treat anemia, especially iron-deficiency and
megaloblastic anemia.
Dose Frequency and route of administration (Doctor’s order)
Route: PO
Dosage: Tab
Frequency: BID
Indication/s for administering medication to the patient
Iron-deficiency Anemia
Nutritional supplementation
Contraindication
● Hemochromatosis or iron overload conditions
● Hypersensitivity to iron or folic acid
● Hemolytic anemia (iron may not be helpful)
● Pernicious anemia (needs vitamin B12, not folic acid alone)
● Active peptic ulcer disease
St. Paul University Philippines
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Tel: 078-396-1987 to 1997
Fax: 078-846-4305
[Link]
SCHOOL OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
College of Nursing
First Semester, AY 2024-2025
Drug Name
Ismodin
Drug Classification
Anti-angina
Nitrate Vasodilator
Drug Action/s
Ismodin (Isosorbide Mononitrate) is a long-acting nitrate that works by relaxing and dilating
blood vessels, particularly the coronary arteries. This improves blood and oxygen flow to the
heart, reduces myocardial oxygen demand, and helps relieve chest pain (angina).
Dose Frequency and route of administration (Doctor’s order)
Route: PO
Dosage: 60mg/tab
Frequency: OD
Indication/s for administering medication to the patient
Prevention of angina pectoris (chest pain due to coronary artery disease)
Chronic stable angina
Ischemic heart disease
Congestive heart failure (as adjunct therapy)
Post-myocardial infarction support
Contraindication
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate before and after administration.
Assess for chest pain relief and document onset, duration, and intensity.
Instruct the patient not to stop the medication abruptly to avoid rebound angina.
Educate the patient about orthostatic precautions to avoid falls due to dizziness.
Ensure proper dosing schedule (allow a nitrate-free interval to prevent tolerance).
Drug Name
K-Lyte (Potassium Chloride)
Drug Classification
Electrolyte supplement
Mineral replacement
Drug Action/s
K-Lyte replaces potassium, an essential electrolyte involved in nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and
acid-base balance. It works by correcting hypokalemia (low potassium levels) and maintaining normal
cardiac and neuromuscular function.
Dose Frequency and route of administration (Doctor’s order)
Route: PO
Dosage: 1 tab
Frequency: TID
Indication/s for administering medication to the patient
Contraindication
Drug Name
Ceftazidime
Drug Classification
Antibiotic
Third-generation cephalosporin
Drug Action/s
Ceftazidime works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis and death. It is
bactericidal and effective against gram-negative organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Dose Frequency and route of administration (Doctor’s order)
Route: IV
Dosage: 1g
Frequency: q8
Indication/s for administering medication to the patient
Contraindication
Assess for signs of infection (fever, WBC count) before and during therapy.
Monitor renal function (especially in elderly and those with kidney disease).
Observe for allergic reactions, especially after first doses.
Monitor bowel function; report diarrhea immediately (risk of CDAD).
Ensure correct reconstitution and administration, and rotate injection sites if IM.
St. Paul University Philippines
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Tel: 078-396-1987 to 1997
Fax: 078-846-4305
[Link]
SCHOOL OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
College of Nursing
First Semester, AY 2024-2025