What it means
A lung infection (pneumonianoo-MOHN-yuhAn infection of one or both lungs in which the air sacs fill with fluid or pus.pneum/o lung, air-ia conditionFull entry ) that starts while a person is living in the community. It is set apart from hospital-acquired pneumonia, which starts 48 hours or more after admission, because the likely germs and the antibiotics chosen are different. The most common bacterial cause is Streptococcus pneumoniae; viruses such as influenza and RSV also cause it.
For the nurse
Assess respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, lung sounds and temperature. Older adults may show new confusion rather than fever. Collect sputum and blood cultures before the first antibiotic dose when they are ordered. Teach yearly flu vaccines and pneumococcal vaccines.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | CAP (community-acquired pneumonia); HAP (hospital-acquired pneumonia) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | neumonía adquirida en la comunidad |
| Also written | community acquired pneumonia |
Related terms
pneumonia
An infection of one or both lungs in which the air sacs fill with fluid or pus.