Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a disease in which individuals who have not recently been hospitalized develop an infection of the lungs (pneumonia). CAP is a common illness and can affect people of all ages. CAP often causes problems like difficulty in breathing, fever, chest pains, and a cough. CAP occurs because the areas of the lung which absorb oxygen (alveoli) from the atmosphere become filled with fluid and cannot work effectively (Wikipedia).

Community acquired pneumonia is a type of pneumonia that occurred within 48 hours after admission. The nursing goal is the same as pneumonia, combat infection, provide supportive treatment, establishing effective airway and monitor for signs of respiratory distress.

Impaired Gas Exchange

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung parenchyma caused by various microorganisms, including bacteria, mycobacteria, chlamydiae, mycoplasma, fungi, parasites and viruses. As the lung parenchyma and alveoli of the lungs are inflamed it impairs gas exchange due to the alterations in the alveoli which is the site for actual gas exchange.

(See? Even the scientific explanation is like from a pneumonia. Nursing care plans for pneumonia can be found here)

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