Final answer:
Pneumonia assessment involves examining the symptoms, physical signs, and diagnostic tests including chest radiographs and sputum analysis to identify fluid in the alveoli and the causative agent, which is often treated with antibiotics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pneumonia is a significant respiratory condition characterized by the inflammation and fluid filling of the alveoli, the tiny sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange. This illness can be instigated by various pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi, or may arise from chemical injury or physical trauma to the lungs. The common symptoms of pneumonia involve coughing, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. A recurring theme in the causation of pneumonia is smoking, which has been directly associated with respiratory infections and may contribute to both the development and severity of the condition.
During pneumonia assessment, healthcare professionals conduct a physical examination and may notice signs such as an elevated heart rate, hypoxemia, as indicated by a pulse oximeter, and abnormal sounds through a stethoscope's auscultation. Collecting sputum samples and noting their color can provide a clue to the type of infection. Radiological imaging, like a chest radiograph, can reveal areas of the lung where consolidation is present due to fluid accumulation and infection. Ultimately, the treatment of pneumonia, particularly bacterial pneumonia, often includes antibiotics targeting the causative agent.