Newspaper Article on Pneumonia Kellie Hale Mohave Community College NUR 122Mrs. Port9/8/2016“In 2012, 1.1 million people were hospitalized in the United States for treatment of pneumonia. The average hospital stay for these patients was 5.2 days. There were nearly 50,000 deaths due to pneumonia and 95% of them were over the age of 65 (“Pneumonia,” 2016). Pneumonia is a serious condition, and the pathogens that lead to pneumonia continue to spread in hospitals and communities. Antibiotic resistance is a huge problem today, so prevention and early treatment are very important. Pneumonia is lung inflammation caused by a bacterial or viral infection, in which the air sac may fill with fluid or pus. The strong internal defenses present in healthy individuals usually protect the body and lungs from these invading bacteria. But when a patient is immunocompromised, these defense mechanisms do not function properly, making him more susceptible to contracting pneumonia. Some people, such as organ transplant patients, patients taking immunosuppressant drugs, patients with NG tubes, are at increased risk. Other risk factors for pneumonia include smoking, excessive alcohol intake, inability to swallow due to stroke/neuromuscular disease, age over 65, malnutrition, hypoxia, and chronic lung disease (“Pneumonia,” 2016 ). There are several ways pneumonia manifests classified as hospital-acquired pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and community-acquired pneumonia. Hospital-acquired pneumonia, HAP, is an infection that was not present at the time of admission but develops 48 hours or more later. Some of the most common bacteria in this class are Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aure…half of paper…cut if necessary. The nurse will evaluate your pulse oximetry readings, breathing rate, and pain level. Your pain will be treated with prescribed painkillers, you will be given fluids and electrolytes as needed, and you will likely be prescribed other medications such as bronchodilators, antibiotics, and/or antivirals. Pneumonia is a very common disease but can be fatal if left untreated, so education about prevention and treatment is very important. Pneumococcal and influenza vaccines are available for prevention. Healthy eating and exercise are great ways to stay healthy and build a strong immune system. Correct fluid intake is very important, at least 6 to 8 glasses a day. Hand washing is the most effective way to stop the spread of infection. References Pneumonia. (n.d.). Retrieved September 8, 2016, from http://nursing.advanceweb.com/Continuing-Education/CE-Articles/Pneumonia.aspx