Mnemonic for the Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia: PNEUMONIA
It is the nurse’s responsibility to closely monitor all high-risk patients for the signs and symptoms of pneumonia. It must be reported to the doctor once these signs and symptoms appear for confirmation and further diagnostic tests. These are the signs and symptoms to look for–remember the acronym PNEUMONIA:
P – Productive cough (with phlegm) and Pleural pain (chest pain caused by breathing or coughing)
N – Neurological changes like confusion or changes in mental awareness, especially in elderly patients
E – Elevated laboratory values (increased WBC and PCO2 greater than 45)
U – Unusual breathing (presence of coarse rhonchi, crackles, or bronchial sounds in the peripheral area upon auscultation)
M – Mild or high fever
O – O2 saturation may decrease, and the patient may need supplementary oxygen.
N – Nausea or sometimes vomiting that may lead to loss of appetite
I – Increased respiration and increased heart rate.
A – Aches (muscle pain or aching joints) and activity intolerance due to shortness of breath