definition of lung abscess, causes, risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, diagnostic evaluation, management, surgical management, nursing management.

1. PREPARED BY DOLISHA WARBI

2. DEFINITION:
Lung abscess is defined as necrosis of the pulmonary tissues and formation of cavities containing necrotic
debris or fluid causes by microbial infection.
Or
It is the collection of pus within the lungs.
CAUSES:
§ Pre existing lung diseases – Bronchiectasis,
Bronchial obstruction – tumor, foreign body.
§ Trauma.
§ Immunodeficiency.
§ Aspiration of gastric content.
§ Alcohol or drug used.
§ Bacterial infection.

3. RISK FACTORS:
§ Alcoholism.
§ Drug overdose.
§ CVA.
§ Pneumonia.
§ Person who inspire cough reflexes.
§ Nasogastric tube feeding.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY:
Abscess formation.
Tissues necrosis liquefaction.
Inflammatory, vascular obstruction
Pneumonitis impair drainage of fluid or aspirated material.
Aspiration of infected material or foreign body.

4. CLINICAL MANIFESTATION:
§ Fever.
§ Chill.
§ Dyspnea.
§ Cough.
§ Weight loss.
§ Chest pain.
§ Hemoptysis.
§ Purulent sputum-that is foul smelling and foul tasting
DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION:
§ History collection.
§ Ct-scan
§ Sputum culture tests.
§ Complete blood count(CBC).
§ Bronchoscopy.

5. MANAGEMENT:
§ Antibiotics (6 to 8 weeks) - penicillin.
§ Chest physiotherapy and postural drainage.
§ Frequent mouth care to relief foul smelling odor and taste from the sputum.
§ Diluted hydrogen peroxide and mouth washes.
§ Rest, good nutrition, adequate fluid intake.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT:
§ Lobectomy or Segmentectomy
§ Thoracotomy - Large incision is made in the chest wall to access the lung.
§ Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)
§ Decortication

6. NURSING MANAGEMENT:
ü Monitor vital signs.
ü Assess oxygen saturation levels and administer supplemental oxygen as needed
ü Perform a thorough respiratory assessment, including monitoring respiratory rate, depth, and effort.
ü Administer antibiotics as prescribed by the healthcare provider to target the specific pathogen causing the abscess.
ü Provide analgesics for pain management, as lung abscesses can be painful.
ü Administer antipyretics if the patient has a fever.
ü Encourage deep breathing exercises and effective coughing to help clear secretions and prevent respiratory complications.
ü Provide chest physiotherapy as ordered to promote airway clearance.
ü Ensure adequate hydration to help loosen and mobilize respiratory secretions.
ü Provide nutritional support as needed, especially if the patient has a decreased appetite or difficulty eating.
ü Encourage the patient to change positions regularly to prevent complications such as pneumonia.
ü Implement strict hand hygiene measures to prevent the spread of infection.
ü Provide emotional support and encouragement to the patient, as a lung abscess can be a stressful experience.
ü Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop a comprehensive discharge plan.