Share This Link

Atypical pneumonia syndrome is more likely to occur in MCAP. Atypical pneumonia, caused by organisms such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Chlamydophila pneumoniae, is more commonly associated with community-acquired infections, not MCAP. MCAP is more often linked to multidrug-resistant typical bacterial pathogens acquired in healthcare settings. Therefore, this statement misrepresents the epidemiology of atypical pneumonia.

Diagnostic testing does not have to be used to identify causative agents. Diagnostic testing such as sputum culture, blood culture, or imaging is important for confirming the pathogen and guiding therapy adjustments but during the waiting period, empiric antibiotic therapy is administered to the patient. Relying solely on empiric prediction without testing can lead to ineffective treatment or failure to identify resistant organisms.

IV antibiotic therapy is necessary for MCAP but oral therapy is adequate for CAP. The route of antibiotic administration depends on the severity of the pneumonia and the client’s clinical condition, not strictly on whether it is CAP or MCAP. Mild CAP may require oral antibiotics, but severe CAP may necessitate IV therapy, just as some MCAP cases can be managed with oral antibiotics once stable. This statement oversimplifies treatment decisions.

Bronchial pneumonia. Bronchial pneumonia, also called lobular pneumonia, refers to a pattern of inflammation in the lungs, typically caused by bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae. It is not defined by opportunistic organisms like PCP or CMV, and it can occur in otherwise healthy individuals.

Hospital-associated pneumonia. Hospital-associated (nosocomial) pneumonia arises 48 hours or more after hospital admission and is often caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus. Opportunistic pathogens like PCP and CMV are not characteristic of hospital-acquired pneumonia unless the patient is immunocompromised.

Community-acquired pneumonia. Community-acquired pneumonia develops outside healthcare settings and is most commonly caused by typical bacterial pathogens such as S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, or atypical bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Opportunistic pathogens are not generally responsible for CAP in immunocompetent individuals.

Risk for imbalanced nutrition. Although pneumonia may reduce appetite, nutrition is not the primary concern unless the client demonstrates inadequate intake or weight loss. The immediate and more pressing physiologic risk is fluid imbalance due to fever and respiratory losses.

Fluid volume deficit. An actual fluid volume deficit diagnosis requires evidence of existing dehydration, such as hypotension, concentrated urine, dry mucous membranes, or decreased skin turgor. In this scenario, the client has not yet shown these signs, making this a risk rather than an actual problem.

Fluid volume excess. Fluid volume excess is characterized by edema, weight gain, or pulmonary congestion, which are not typical manifestations in an older adult with pneumonia receiving oral antibiotics. This diagnosis is not appropriate in the absence of signs of fluid overload.