Nursing Care Plan for Pneumonia
Also searched as: lung infection
🎓 Educational example. Adapt to your patient and have your instructor review it. Not medical advice.
Infection of the lung parenchyma causing impaired gas exchange, cough, and fever. Nursing care targets airway clearance, oxygenation, and infection resolution.
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Assessment
- Subjective: productive cough, dyspnea, chest discomfort, fatigue
- Objective: crackles, SpO₂ low, fever, tachypnea, purulent sputum, infiltrate on CXR
Nursing diagnoses
As evidenced by: low SpO₂, dyspnea, abnormal breath sounds
As evidenced by: productive cough, crackles
Goals / expected outcomes
- The patient will maintain SpO₂ ≥ 92% (or ordered target) throughout the shift.
- The patient will demonstrate effective coughing and clear secretions.
Nursing interventions & rationale
| Intervention | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Monitor respiratory rate, effort, and SpO₂; auscultate lungs. | Detects deterioration and guides oxygen therapy. |
| Administer oxygen and antibiotics as prescribed. | Corrects hypoxemia and treats the underlying infection. |
| Encourage deep breathing, coughing, incentive spirometry, and hydration. | Mobilizes secretions and improves alveolar ventilation. |
| Position upright (semi-Fowler's) and reposition regularly. | Optimizes lung expansion and gas exchange. |
Evaluation
- SpO₂ meets target
- Clearer breath sounds and effective cough
- Temperature trends down
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Pneumonia care plan: FAQ
What is the nursing diagnosis for Pneumonia?
Common nursing diagnoses include: Impaired gas exchange related to alveolar inflammation and secretions; Ineffective airway clearance related to thick secretions. Choose the one your patient's assessment data supports.
What are nursing interventions for Pneumonia?
Key interventions: Monitor respiratory rate, effort, and SpO₂; auscultate lungs.; Administer oxygen and antibiotics as prescribed.; Encourage deep breathing, coughing, incentive spirometry, and hydration. — each paired with a rationale.
Can I use this care plan for my assignment?
Use it as a study example and starting draft. Always adapt it to your specific patient and have it reviewed by your instructor. This is an educational tool, not medical advice.
Last reviewed 2026-07. Educational content based on standard nursing practice; not medical advice and not affiliated with NANDA-I/NIC/NOC. Always follow your institution's protocols and your instructor's guidance.