Background
The article “Updates on community-acquired pneumonia management in the ICU” by Nair and Niederman (2021) was selected for analysis. In it, the author raises an essential question about people’s health during the coronavirus pandemic. In particular, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in patients in critical condition and possible treatments and prophylaxis are considered.
First, the authors determine the need for research on this type of disease. The leading cause is the high mortality rate, especially in the elderly, from community-acquired pneumonia (Nair & Niederman, 2021). In addition, among the critical points, the authors point to the fact that the causes of the disease can be ambiguous. Community-acquired pneumonia is generally considered to be bacterial pneumonia.
However, studies based on COVID-19 have shown that it can occur in patients who require invasive mechanical ventilation (Nair & Niederman, 2021). Furthermore, Nair and Niederman (2021) establish the main causes and risk factors that can lead to human health deterioration during the CAP period. According to Nair and Niederman (2021), “risk factors of mortality related to severe CAP include advanced age (>65 years), co-morbid conditions, lack of fever on admission” (p. 2).
In doing so, the authors emphasize the diversity of symptoms and the need for careful disease study. In particular, the article repeatedly lists various tables showing information about the specifics of CAP, such as patient-related factors, pathogen-specific factors, and severity of illness (Nair & Niederman, 2021). After thoroughly describing the symptoms, a method of treating the disease is sought and investigated to identify the most effective tools for reducing mortality.
The primary treatment for CAP disease is called drugs, specifically antibiotics. It is also listed as the most common antibiotic treatment. In particular, Nair and Niederman (2021) state that it is essential to use two antibiotics, which are “a β-lactam plus a macrolide or a respiratory quinolone” (p. 5). In addition, the authors raise the vital issue of increased resistance of microbes, which can cause a negative outcome (Nair & Niederman, 2021). Due to this fact, the critical treatment method of CAP includes newer antibiotics also used for ICU patients (Nair & Niederman, 2021).
In conclusion, the authors summarize their research and discuss the need for the earliest ICU treatment of a patient with CAP using antibiotics. However, Nair and Niederman are convinced that antibiotics are not ideal because newer antibiotics are not fully understood (Nair & Niederman, 2021). Consequently, the author insists on further research on reducing mortality in patients with CAP.
Agreement with Article and Evidence-based Practice
I agree with this article because it raises an essential contemporary issue regarding the high mortality rate among patients with pneumonia. In particular, against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic that has not yet disappeared, research into how pneumonia is treated and developed is a critical step toward a healthy society. I also agree that further research is needed on the effects of antibiotics that can effectively treat CAP. These issues are urgent. The article by Nair and Niederman (2021) agrees with evidence-based practice in studying various peculiarities of patients’ treatment. The research is necessary to obtain vital information about many factors, such as the effectiveness of antibiotics.
Patient and Nursing Teaching Points
As a patient teaching point, I recommend consulting with the healthcare provider instantly after defining some symptoms of pneumonia. It is essential to start treatment as early as possible to prevent the situation from worsening. As one nursing priority point, I recommend constantly visiting evidence-based practices. It is crucial to permanently upgrade nurses’ skills and improve their awareness of modern practices and approaches in medicine. I can apply the information from this article while communicating with CAP patients and providing treatment for them.
Reference
Nair, G. B., & Niederman, M. S. (2021). Updates on community-acquired pneumonia management in the ICU. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 217. Web.