37-lung abcess

About
Collection of fluid and/or pus resulting in a 2cm or larger mass seen upon X-ray; usually as a result of bacterial pneumonia.

Assess
Fever, productive cough, green, foul-smelling sputum, dyspnea, chest pain.
Complications
Recurrent infection, sepsis, respiratory distress.
Diagnosis

• Pain related to increased inflammation.
• Ineffective airway clearance related to retention of secretions.

Goals

• The client will be free from infection.
• The client will be able to perform incentive spirometry and coughing and deep breathing exercises every hour while awake.
• The client will identify signs and symptoms requiring immediate follow-up by health care provider.

Interventions

• Assess lung sounds, vitals signs, pulse-oximetry frequently.
• Teach client coughing and deep breathing techniques to facilitate drainage.
• Perform chest physiotherapy and/ or percussion to facilitate removal of drainage.
• Administer antibiotics as indicated by a physician.
• Encourage a diet high in calories and protein to facilitate in the healing process.
• Monitor any drains or tubes that may have been inserted to drain abscess.
• Teach client signs and symptoms that indicate complications or worsening of condition which may require immediate follow-up.