[Empiric therapy protocol for nosocomial pneumonia]
E García Vázquez1, A Hernández Torres1, J A Herrero Martínez1
1Servicio de Medicina Interna-Infecciosas. Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca. Murcia. España. Departamento de Medicina Interna. Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de Murcia. Murcia. España.
Abstract:
Nosocomial pneumonia is one of the most common infections in hospitalized patients and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The treatment for these patients is established empirically and should be administered as soon as possible to improve their clinical prognosis. In most cases, microbiological documentation of the pneumonia's etiology is not achieved. There is therefore a well-established need for clear action protocols directed to all medical professionals who are in charge of caring for these patients.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...


