Community Acquired Pneumonia Case Study

According to Schub and Cabrrea (2015), Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is an infection of the lung parenchyma that develops outside the hospital or healthcare facility or developed in the hospital within 48 hours after admission. After 48 hours, it is considered Hospital Acquired Pneumonia. CAP is the eight most common cause of death in the United States. Annually, it usually affects adults but the incidence of CAP is 1: 20 in older adults over than 85 years old. Potential complications that could be lethal range from sepsis to organ failure. The primary care provider must first identify the signs and symptoms of CAP and to treat the patient as soon as possible especially with comorbidities and avoid potential complications that are lethal and life threatening. This paper is aimed to assist the primary care provider in early diagnosis of CAP, decision making if the patient could be treated in an outpatient setting or to be transported to an inpatient setting, early management and avoiding potential complications that are lethal and life threatening.
Epidemiology and significance of problem According to Schub and Cabrera (2015), CAP is the eight most common cause of death and infectious cause of death in the United States. Annually, CAP affects 5 million adults and
The number of CAP cases that needs hospitalization is higher in middle aged to older adults compared to younger adults (American Academy of Critical-Care Nurses, 2015). Some risk factors include weakened immune system, asthma, COPD and heart failure. Use of corticosteroids through inhalation, proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonist, benzodiazepines and antipsychotics could increase the chance of developing CAP (Schub & Cabrera, 2015). Early diagnosis and treatment by a Primary Care Practitioner will lessen the need for hospitalization of the patient and possibly