ASSIGNMENT BRIEFING FORM Unit Title: Cardiopulmonary System Tutor Name: Lynsay Kobelis Task No.: 2 of 3 Task Title: Case Study Deadline Due Date 7th May 2019 at 23:59 Assignment Details: Task 2 [AC3.1] You have been asked to produce a clear, relevant and well-researched case study on a named disease of the cardiopulmonary organs. You must choose one specific disease which could include, but is not limited to, any of the following: coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, asthma, emphysema or pneumonia. Your report should provide an overview of the disease, as well as the cause(s), diagnostic and progression tests, and treatment. You should include data from up-to-date, credible sources on such things as morbidity and mortality rates, costs etc. Approx. 1000 words Learning Outcomes & Assessment Criteria LEARNING OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 1. Be able to investigate the pathologies of the cardiopulmonary system. 3.1 Produce a case study on a named disease that affects the cardiopulmonary organs. Grading Information Merit Descriptor Distinction Descriptor 2: Application of knowledge a makes use of relevant: i ideas ii facts iii theories with ​either b breadth ​or​ depth that goes beyond the minimum required to pass a makes use of relevant: i ideas ii facts iii theories with ​both b breadth ​and​ depth To Achieve a Pass: Merit Distinction ● Some use of correct scientific terms ● Noticeable errors and a lack of focus on the key information presented ● Little evidence of additional reading ● Poor choices of sources used ● Consistent use of scientific language ● Generally accurate with the information presented, with only a few errors ● Clear summary of the literature to support writing ● Generally appropriate sources chosen ● Thorough use of scientific language and ideas, well structured into a cohesive piece of writing ● Information presented with accuracy, precision, innovation and creativity demonstrating broad additional reading and research ● Appropriate sources chosen throughout Merit Descriptor Distinction Descriptor 4: Use of Information a identifies new information from sources which are generally​ appropriate b makes ​some​ use of additional information a identifies new information from sources which are ​consistently appropriate b makes ​extensive​ use of additional information To Achieve a Pass: Merit: Distinction: ● Little evidence of in-depth research into chosen disease ● Brief description of cause and treatment ● Evidence of further research apparent in some of the details given ● Generally, the information is provided appropriately, showing a very good grasp of the meaning and significance of the chosen research ● Extensive evidence of further reading apparent in description of both cause and treatment ● This in-depth information is ...

1. ASSIGNMENT BRIEFING FORM
Unit Title: Cardiopulmonary System
Tutor Name: Lynsay Kobelis
Task No.: 2 of 3
Task Title: Case Study
Deadline Due
Date 7th May 2019 at 23:59
Assignment Details:
Task 2 [AC3.1]
You have been asked to produce a clear, relevant and well-
researched case study
on a named disease of the cardiopulmonary organs. You must
choose one specific
disease which could include, but is not limited to, any of the
following: coronary
artery disease, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, asthma,
emphysema or
pneumonia.
Your report should provide an overview of the disease, as well

2. as the cause(s),
diagnostic and progression tests, and treatment. You should
include data from
up-to-date, credible sources on such things as morbidity and
mortality rates, costs
etc.
Approx. 1000 words
Learning Outcomes & Assessment Criteria
LEARNING OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1. Be able to investigate the pathologies of the
cardiopulmonary system.
3.1 Produce a case study on a named disease that
affects the cardiopulmonary organs.
Grading Information
Merit Descriptor Distinction Descriptor
2: Application of
knowledge
a makes use of relevant:
i ideas

3. ii facts
iii theories
with either
b breadth or depth that goes
beyond the minimum
required to pass
a makes use of relevant:
i ideas
ii facts
iii theories
with both
b breadth and depth
To Achieve a Pass: Merit Distinction
● Some use of correct
scientific terms
● Noticeable errors and a lack
of focus on the key
information presented
● Little evidence of additional
reading
● Poor choices of sources

4. used
● Consistent use of scientific
language
● Generally accurate with the
information presented, with
only a few errors
● Clear summary of the
literature to support writing
● Generally appropriate
sources chosen
● Thorough use of scientific
language and ideas, well
structured into a cohesive
piece of writing
● Information presented with
accuracy, precision,
innovation and creativity
demonstrating broad
additional reading and
research
● Appropriate sources chosen
throughout
Merit Descriptor Distinction Descriptor
4: Use of Information a identifies new information
from sources which are

5. generally appropriate
b makes some use of
additional information
a identifies new
information from sources
which are consistently
appropriate
b makes extensive use of
additional information
To Achieve a Pass: Merit: Distinction:
● Little evidence of in-depth
research into chosen disease
● Brief description of cause
and treatment
● Evidence of further
research apparent in some
of the details given
● Generally, the information
is provided appropriately,
showing a very good grasp
of the meaning and
significance of the chosen
research
● Extensive evidence of
further reading apparent in
description of both cause

6. and treatment
● This in-depth information is
presented appropriately,
showing an excellent grasp
of the meaning and
significance of the chosen
research
Merit Distinction
7: Quality
c taken as a whole,
demonstrates a very good
response to the demands
of the brief/assignment
c taken as a whole,
demonstrates an excellent
response to the demands of
the brief/assignment
To achieve a Pass: Merit: Distinction:
● All questions answered
correctly

7. ● All criteria met, but work
contains spelling, punctuation
and/or grammatical (SPaG)
errors
● Writing may lack flow or
cohesion or require further
proofreading to ensure clarity
● As Pass, answers are
targeted and appropriate
throughout
● May contain some SPaG
errors that require attention
● On the whole, work is
accurate and easy to follow
● As Merit, answers are
well-supported, thorough yet
succinct
● Assignment is presented
clearly and logically with no
spelling, punctuation or
grammar mistakes (SPaG)
Pneumonia 1

8. A CASE STUDY ON PNEUMONIA
By [Name]
Course
Professor’s Name
Institution
Location of Institution
Date
A Case Study on Pneumonia
Overview
Across the globe, Pneumonia is one of the potentially fatal
infections that affect both the individual and the health systems.
Pneumonia is an inflammation that mostly affects the
bronchioles and alveoli of the lungs. It is caused by an
infectious agent (bacteria or viruses) that can be spread through
airborne respiratory droplets such as coughs or sneezes. The
infectious agent may include bacteria, viruses or fungi. As a
result, the inflammation causes the air sac, or alveoli of the
lungs to be filled with fluid or pus. The infection is often
characterized by a sharp pain in the chest, high fever,
difficulties in breathing, rapid breathing, and a cough that might
be accompanied by thick phlegm. Regarding the level of
severity, Pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening.
However, it is fatal among newborns, and young children,
individuals older than the age of 65, and individuals with
medical issues or deteriorated immune systems.

9. Causes
Pneumonia is spread by a variety of germs which include
viruses, bacteria, fungi, and also parasites. However, the main
causes of pneumonia are bacteria and viruses. After inhaling the
germs, they can settle in the alveoli inside the lungs and later
multiply. In view of this, Pneumonia can be contagious since
the germs that cause the disease are usually inhaled. Ones the
bacteria or virus attack the lungs, the body reacts by sending
white platelets to fight the infection (DeGiacomi, et al 2018, P.
734). Further, the bacteria or viruses will cause the
inflammation of the lungs air sacs. The pathogens will then fill
up the air sacs with fluid or pus which subsequently results in
the pneumonia infection.
Pneumonia is categorised based on the types of infectious agent
that cause it and where an individual contacted the infection.
Arguably, pneumonia is usually associated with the
pneumococcal infection, which is caused by bacteria known as
Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumococcal infection is an
infection that is caused and spread by a bacterium known as
Streptococcus pneumoniae, sometimes referred to as the
pneumococcus. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a known affiliate
of the bacterial flora inhabiting the nose and throat of
approximately 5–10% of healthy adults and 20–40% of healthy
children (DiBardino and Wunderink 2015, p. 41). This kind of
pneumonia can occur on its own or after one has had a cold or a
bad flu. It attacks one side (lobe) of the lungs, causing a
condition referred to as lobar pneumonia. However, there are
several other different kinds of bacteria that can cause
pneumonia which includes Haemophilus influenza and
Staphylococcus aureus (Joseph, 2018; p. 670)
Besides bacterial pneumonia, other types of pneumonia are
common among patients. They include viral pneumonia which is
normally caused by the respiratory syncytial infection (RSV)
and occasionally types A or B influenza. This type of
pneumonia mostly affects the young children. The second type
is aspiration pneumonia which is caused by breathing in vomit,

10. a foreign object, for example, peanut or harmful substances
such as contaminated chemicals or smoke (“Pneumonia
symptoms, causes and risk factors”, 2016; n.p). The third type
is known as fungal pneumonia. Different kinds of fungi are
responsible for this type of pneumonia such as Cryptococcus,
Histoplasma, and Coccidioides. Despite that it is rare;
individuals with weak immune systems are likely to be infected
with this type of infection.
Lastly, hospital-acquired pneumonia is a type of pneumonia that
mostly develops in health centers such as hospitals. This occurs
while being treated for another illness or probably having an
operation. Patients who have been admitted into the intensive
care unit (ICU) and are on breathing machines are mostly at risk
of contracting ventilator-associated pneumonia (Joseph 2018, p.
670).
Diagnosis Test
Occasionally, pneumonia can be hard to diagnose since the
symptoms vary from one person to another, and are frequently
similar to those experienced in a cold or influenza. The illness
also shares many signs and symptoms with other illnesses, for
instance, asthma and bronchitis. Hence, for a doctor to diagnose
pneumonia, and make an effort to identify the germ that is
causing the infection, the doctor will inquire about the patient’s
medical history, complete a physical analysis, and run a few
tests (Amanda et al, 2019; p. 440)
Medical history
In this case, the doctor will inquire about the patient’s signs and
symptoms, and how and when the symptoms started. To help
figure out if the patient’s infection is brought about by bacteria,
viruses or fungi, the doctor may ask the patients about possible
exposures. For instance, any ongoing or previous travel, the
occupation of the patient, any contact with animals, and
exposure to other infected individuals at home, workplace or
school, and whether the patient has had any other sickness
(Amanda et al, 2019; p. 443)
Physical exam

11. The medical practitioner will listen to the rhythm of the
patient’s lungs using a stethoscope. In case the patient has
pneumonia, the patient’s lungs may make crackling, fizzy,
bubbling, and rumbling sounds when he or she inhales.
Diagnostic tests
Pneumonia treatment greatly depends on proper diagnostics
tests that will determine the cause of the problem. Thus, the
physician will likely conduct a chest x-ray which is usually the
best approach in the diagnosis of pneumonia. The X-ray aims at
identifying any inflammations in the lungs that could affect
regular breathing. On the other hand, pulse oximetry will also
be conducted to determine the measure of peripheral arterial
oxyhemoglobin concentration (Sharma & Ghadiya, 2016; n.p).
This is because pneumonia could prevent the lungs from
facilitating the movement of oxygen into the bloodstream. In
addition, a sputum test will be vital in this process. The sputum
is a representation of sample fluids from the lungs taken after a
deep cough to determine the source of the infection. It is
obtained via a bronchoalveolar lavage or induction whereby the
sputum Grain stain is used to identify the causal factors
(Kurjak, 2015; 1469). For example, the presence of Gram-
positive diplococci is an indication of pneumococcal
pneumonia. The blood culture will determine the presence of a
complete blood count to verify infection as well as identify the
organism that’s causing the infection.
Progression tests
In some instances, the patients may be considered to be at a
high-risk due to their age and general health conditions. The
doctor may consider carrying out more tests which may include;
taking a CT scan of the patient’s chest to get a clear view of the
lungs. It will also allow the doctor to check for any abscesses if
available or other medical complications. An arterial blood gas
test can be done as well. The doctor can also carry out a
bronchoscopy, which will help look into the lung’s airways
(“Pneumonia symptoms, causes, and risk factors” 2016; n.p).
Treatment

12. Pneumonia treatment depends on the type of pneumonia that the
patient contacted, the germ or infectious agent causing the
illness, and the severity of the illness. Most individuals, who
have been diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia
which arguably is the most popular type of pneumonia, are
usually discharged to undergo homecare (Landi et al, 2015; p.
126). The main objectives of undergoing treatment are to cure
the illness and prevent any other complications that may arise.
Bacterial pneumonia
In instances where the patient has Bacterial pneumonia, the
patient is treated using antibiotics. The patient takes the
medicine dosage according to the doctor’s prescription. In most
individuals, their health starts improving after a day or two of
taking the antibiotics (DiBardino & Wunderink, 2015; p. 44).
Viral pneumonia
Regarding viral pneumonia, antibiotics are not prescribed for
the patient. If the infection is caused by a virus, the doctor may
advise the patient to take an antiviral medicine with progress
evident in one to three days antibiotics (DiBardino &
Wunderink, 2015; p. 45).
Treatment Advice
However, in case the patient’s symptoms get worse they should
visit a doctor immediately. If the symptoms become severe, or
the patient develops other health problems, they may need to be
treated in a hospital. Most likely, it takes several weeks for one
to recover from pneumonia. If a patient is diagnosed with
pneumonia, they have to follow their treatment plan, as
prescribed by the doctor, and go for regular checkups.
References
1
Pneumonia 1

13. A CASE STUDY ON PNEUMONIA
By [Name]
Course
Professor’s Name
Institution
Location of Institution
Date
A Case Study on Pneumonia
Overview
Across the globe, Pneumonia is one of the potentially fatal
infections that affect both the individual and the health systems.
Pneumonia is an inflammation that mostly affects the
bronchioles and alveoli of the lungs. It is caused by an
infectious agent (bacteria or viruses) that can be spread through
airborne respiratory droplets such as coughs or sneezes. The
infectious agent may include bacteria, viruses or fungi. As a
result, the inflammation causes the air sac, or alveoli of the
lungs to be filled with fluid or pus. The infection is often
characterized by a sharp pain in the chest, high fever,
difficulties in breathing, rapid breathing, and a cough that might
be accompanied by thick phlegm. Regarding the level of
severity, Pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening.
However, it is fatal among newborns, and young children,

14. individuals older than the age of 65, and individuals with
medical issues or deteriorated immune systems.
Causes
Pneumonia is spread by a variety of germs which include
viruses, bacteria, fungi, and also parasites. However, the main
causes of pneumonia are bacteria and viruses. After inhaling the
germs, they can settle in the alveoli inside the lungs and later
multiply. In view of this, Pneumonia can be contagious since
the germs that cause the disease are usually inhaled. Ones the
bacteria or virus attack the lungs, the body reacts by sending
white platelets to fight the infection (DeGiacomi, et al 2018, P.
734). Further, the bacteria or viruses will cause the
inflammation of the lungs air sacs. The pathogens will then fill
up the air sacs with fluid or pus which subsequently results in
the pneumonia infection.
Pneumonia is categorised based on the types of infectious agent
that cause it and where an individual contacted the infection.
Arguably, pneumonia is usually associated with the
pneumococcal infection, which is caused by bacteria known as
Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumococcal infection is an
infection that is caused and spread by a bacterium known as
Streptococcus pneumoniae, sometimes referred to as the
pneumococcus. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a known affiliate
of the bacterial flora inhabiting the nose and throat of
approximately 5–10% of healthy adults and 20–40% of healthy
children (DiBardino and Wunderink 2015, p. 41). This kind of
pneumonia can occur on its own or after one has had a cold or a
bad flu. It attacks one side (lobe) of the lungs, causing a
condition referred to as lobar pneumonia. However, there are
several other different kinds of bacteria that can cause
pneumonia which includes Haemophilus influenza and
Staphylococcus aureus (Joseph, 2018; p. 670)
Besides bacterial pneumonia, other types of pneumonia are
common among patients. They include viral pneumonia which is
normally caused by the respiratory syncytial infection (RSV)
and occasionally types A or B influenza. This type of

15. pneumonia mostly affects the young children. The second type
is aspiration pneumonia which is caused by breathing in vomit,
a foreign object, for example, peanut or harmful substances
such as contaminated chemicals or smoke (“Pneumonia
symptoms, causes and risk factors”, 2016; n.p). The third type
is known as fungal pneumonia. Different kinds of fungi are
responsible for this type of pneumonia such as Cryptococcus,
Histoplasma, and Coccidioides. Despite that it is rare;
individuals with weak immune systems are likely to be infected
with this type of infection.
Lastly, hospital-acquired pneumonia is a type of pneumonia that
mostly develops in health centers such as hospitals. This occurs
while being treated for another illness or probably having an
operation. Patients who have been admitted into the intensive
care unit (ICU) and are on breathing machines are mostly at risk
of contracting ventilator-associated pneumonia (Joseph 2018, p.
670).
Diagnosis Test
Occasionally, pneumonia can be hard to diagnose since the
symptoms vary from one person to another, and are frequently
similar to those experienced in a cold or influenza. The illness
also shares many signs and symptoms with other illnesses, for
instance, asthma and bronchitis. Hence, for a doctor to diagnose
pneumonia, and make an effort to identify the germ that is
causing the infection, the doctor will inquire about the patient’s
medical history, complete a physical analysis, and run a few
tests (Amanda et al, 2019; p. 440)
Medical history
In this case, the doctor will inquire about the patient’s signs and
symptoms, and how and when the symptoms started. To help
figure out if the patient’s infection is brought about by bacteria,
viruses or fungi, the doctor may ask the patients about possible
exposures. For instance, any ongoing or previous travel, the
occupation of the patient, any contact with animals, and
exposure to other infected individuals at home, workplace or
school, and whether the patient has had any other sickness

16. (Amanda et al, 2019; p. 443)
Physical exam
The medical practitioner will listen to the rhythm of the
patient’s lungs using a stethoscope. In case the patient has
pneumonia, the patient’s lungs may make crackling, fizzy,
bubbling, and rumbling sounds when he or she inhales.
Diagnostic tests
Pneumonia treatment greatly depends on proper diagnostics
tests that will determine the cause of the problem. Thus, the
physician will likely conduct a chest x-ray which is usually the
best approach in the diagnosis of pneumonia. The X-ray aims at
identifying any inflammations in the lungs that could affect
regular breathing. On the other hand, pulse oximetry will also
be conducted to determine the measure of peripheral arterial
oxyhemoglobin concentration (Sharma & Ghadiya, 2016; n.p).
This is because pneumonia could prevent the lungs from
facilitating the movement of oxygen into the bloodstream. In
addition, a sputum test will be vital in this process. The sputum
is a representation of sample fluids from the lungs taken after a
deep cough to determine the source of the infection. It is
obtained via a bronchoalveolar lavage or induction whereby the
sputum Grain stain is used to identify the causal factors
(Kurjak, 2015; 1469). For example, the presence of Gram-
positive diplococci is an indication of pneumococcal
pneumonia. The blood culture will determine the presence of a
complete blood count to verify infection as well as identify the
organism that’s causing the infection.
Progression tests
In some instances, the patients may be considered to be at a
high-risk due to their age and general health conditions. The
doctor may consider carrying out more tests which may include;
taking a CT scan of the patient’s chest to get a clear view of the
lungs. It will also allow the doctor to check for any abscesses if
available or other medical complications. An arterial blood gas
test can be done as well. The doctor can also carry out a
bronchoscopy, which will help look into the lung’s airways

17. (“Pneumonia symptoms, causes, and risk factors” 2016; n.p).
Treatment
Pneumonia treatment depends on the type of pneumonia that the
patient contacted, the germ or infectious agent causing the
illness, and the severity of the illness. Most individuals, who
have been diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia
which arguably is the most popular type of pneumonia, are
usually discharged to undergo homecare (Landi et al, 2015; p.
126). The main objectives of undergoing treatment are to cure
the illness and prevent any other complications that may arise.
Bacterial pneumonia
In instances where the patient has Bacterial pneumonia, the
patient is treated using antibiotics. The patient takes the
medicine dosage according to the doctor’s prescription. In most
individuals, their health starts improving after a day or two of
taking the antibiotics (DiBardino & Wunderink, 2015; p. 44).
Viral pneumonia
Regarding viral pneumonia, antibiotics are not prescribed for
the patient. If the infection is caused by a virus, the doctor may
advise the patient to take an antiviral medicine with progress
evident in one to three days antibiotics (DiBardino &
Wunderink, 2015; p. 45).
Treatment Advice
However, in case the patient’s symptoms get worse they should
visit a doctor immediately. If the symptoms become severe, or
the patient develops other health problems, they may need to be
treated in a hospital. Most likely, it takes several weeks for one
to recover from pneumonia. If a patient is diagnosed with
pneumonia, they have to follow their treatment plan, as
prescribed by the doctor, and go for regular checkups.
References
1

18. Pneumonia 2
A CASE STUDY ON PNEUMONIA
By [Name]
Course
Professor’s Name
Institution
Location of Institution
Date
A Case Study on Pneumonia
Overview
Across the globe, Pneumonia is one of the potentially fatal
infections that affect both the individual and the health systems.
Pneumonia is an inflammation that mostly affects the
bronchioles and alveoli of the lungs. It is caused by an
infectious agent linked to hematogenous spread or breathing in
into the lungs. The infectious agent may include bacteria,
viruses or fungi. As a result, the inflammation causes the air
sac, or alveoli of the lungs to be filled with fluid or pus. The
infection is often characterized by a sharp pain in the chest,
high fever, difficulties in breathing, rapid breathing, and a
cough that might be accompanied by thick phlegm. Regarding
the level of severity, Pneumonia can range from mild to life-

19. threatening. However, it is fatal among newborns, and young
children, individuals older than the age of 65, and individuals
with medical issues or deteriorated immune systems.
Comment by Author: What does this mean ?
Causes
Pneumonia is spread by a variety of germs which include
viruses, bacteria, fungi, and also parasites. However, the main
causes of pneumonia are bacteria and viruses. After inhaling the
germs, they can settle in the alveoli inside the lungs and later
multiply. In view of this, Pneumonia can be contagious since
the germs that cause the disease are usually inhaled (Porth
2005, p. 666). Ones the bacteria or virus attack the lungs, the
body reacts by sending white platelets to counter-attack the
infection.
Further, the germs will cause the air sacs in the lungs to become
inflamed. The germ will then fill up the air sacs with fluid or
pus which subsequently results in the pneumonia infection.
Pneumonia is categorized based on the types of germs that cause
it and where an individual contacted the infection. Arguably,
pneumonia is usually associated with the pneumococcal
infection, which is caused by bacteria known as Streptococcus
pneumoniae. This kind of pneumonia can occur on its own or
after one has had a cold or a bad flu. It attacks one side (lobe)
of the lungs, causing a condition referred to as lobar pneumonia
(Porth, 2005; p. 667). However, there are several other different
kinds of bacteria that can cause pneumonia which include
Haemophilus influenza and Staphylococcus aureus.
Comment by Author: Unscientific Comment by Author:
British enghlish Comment by Author: What does this mean
Besides bacterial pneumonia, other types of pneumonia are
common among patients. They include viral pneumonia which is
normally caused by the respiratory syncytial infection (RSV)
and occasionally types A or B influenza. This type of
pneumonia mostly affects the young children. The second type
is aspiration pneumonia which is caused by breathing in vomit,
a foreign object, for example, peanut or harmful substances

20. such as contaminated chemicals or smoke (“Pneumonia
symptoms, causes and risk factors”, 2016; n.p). The third type
is known as fungal pneumonia. Different kinds of fungi are
responsible for this type of pneumonia such as Cryptococcus,
Histoplasma, and Coccidioides. Despite that it is rare;
individuals with weak immune systems are likely to be infected
with this type of infection.
Lastly, hospital-acquired pneumonia is a type of pneumonia that
mostly develops in health centers such as hospitals. This occurs
while being treated for another illness or probably having an
operation (Chesnutt and Prendergast, 2007; p. 252). Patients
who have been admitted into the intensive care unit (ICU) and
are on breathing machines are mostly at risk of contracting
ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Diagnosis Test
Occasionally, pneumonia can be hard to diagnose since the
symptoms vary from one person to another, and are frequently
similar to those experienced in a cold or influenza. The illness
also shares many signs and symptoms with other illnesses, for
instance, asthma and bronchitis (Chesnut and Prendergast, 2007;
p. 256). Hence, for a doctor to diagnose pneumonia, and make
an effort to identify the germ that is causing the infection, the
doctor will inquire about the patient’s medical history, complete
a physical analysis, and run a few tests
Medical history
In this case, the doctor will inquire about the patient’s signs and
symptoms, and how and when the symptoms started. To help
figure out if the patient’s infection is brought about by bacteria,
viruses or fungi, the doctor may ask the patients about possible
exposures. For instance, any ongoing or previous travel, the
occupation of the patient, any contact with animals, and
exposure to other infected individuals at home, workplace or
school, and whether the patient has had any other sickness.
Physical exam
The medical practitioner will listen to the rhythm of the
patient’s lungs using a stethoscope. In case the patient has

21. pneumonia, the patient’s lungs may make crackling, fizzy,
bubbling, and rumbling sounds when he or she inhales.
Diagnostic tests
If the doctor suspects the patient to be infected with the illness,
some more tests will be recommended to confirm the diagnosis
and study more about the infection. The tests to be conducted
include blood tests that are done to affirm the infection as well
as detect the kind of germ that is causing the infection.
Additionally, a chest X-ray is done to find the area and extent
of inflammation in the patient’s lungs (Fein et al., 2006; p.45).
The pulse oximetry is also conducted. This is done to measure
the level of oxygen in the patient’s blood since pneumonia can
prevent the patient’s lungs from transferring sufficient oxygen
into the patient’s bloodstream. A Sputum test will be carried out
during the diagnostic tests. This test is conducted on a sample
of mucus (the sputum) which is taken after a deep cough, to
help the doctor identify the source and cause of the infection.
Comment by Author: the method of diagnosis has to be
sourced from 2015 and onwards. Comment by Author: Needs
to be sourced from 2015 onwards
Progression tests
In some instances, the patients may be considered to be at a
high-risk due to their age and general health conditions. The
doctor may consider carrying out more tests which may include;
taking a CT scan of the patient’s chest to get a clear view of the
lungs. It will also allow the doctor to check for any abscesses if
available or other medical complications. An arterial blood gas
test can be done as well. The doctor can also carry out a
bronchoscopy, which will help look into the lungs airways.
Comment by Author: Is there a source for this. Is it recent
?
Treatment
Pneumonia treatment depends on the type of pneumonia that the
patient contacted, the germ or infectious agent causing the
illness, and the severity of the illness. Most individuals, who
have been diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia

22. which arguably is the most popular type of pneumonia, are
usually discharged and treated at home. The main objectives of
undergoing treatment are to cure the illness and prevent any
other complications that may arise (Porth 2005, p. 669).
Comment by Author: The source needs to be from 2015
and onwards
Bacterial pneumonia
In instances where the patient has Bacterial pneumonia, the
patient is treated using antibiotics. The patient takes the
medicine dosage according to the doctor’s prescription. In most
individuals, their health starts improving after a day or two of
taking the antibiotics.
Viral pneumonia
Ironically, when it comes to viral pneumonia, antibiotics are not
prescribed for the patient. If the infection is caused by a virus,
the doctor may advise the patient to take an antiviral medicine
with progress evident in one to three days. Comment by
Author: Not scientific
Treatment Advice
However, in case the patient’s symptoms get worse they should
visit a doctor immediately. If the symptoms become severe, or
the patient develops other health problems, they may need to be
treated in a hospital (Groom et al. 2014, p; 465). Most likely, it
takes several weeks for one to recover from pneumonia. If a
patient is diagnosed with pneumonia, they have to follow their
treatment plan, as prescribed by the doctor, and go for regular
checkups.
References
Chesnutt MS, Prendergast TJ. (2007). Pneumonia. In: McPhee
SJ, Papadakis MA, Tierney LM Jr., eds. 2007 Current Medical
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