Aspiration Pneumonia

Definition

Inflammation of the lungs due to invasion of bacteria. In a hospital setting, pneumonia is promoted by aspiration of the pathogens and their invasion of the lungs, especially if the immune system is already impaired.

Major Cause

Mechanical ventilation

Signs/Symptoms

Fever, increased WBCs, chills, dyspnea, productive cough

Common Pathogens

Gram (-) aerobic bacilli (pseudomonas, klebsiella, enterobacter) Staph. aureus

Antibiotics (empiric)

Beta-lactamase inhibitors + Fluoroquinolones or Extended spectrum penicillins or Expanded spectrum cephalosporin + aminoglycoside
**Treatment option depends on institutional sensitivities of presumed organisms**

Urinary Tract Infection

Definition

Infection of the urinary tract in which growth of microorganisms may be limited to the urine or may spread to adjacent structures. In this text, UTIs develop while the patient is in the hospital.

Major Cause

Urinary catheterization — may be due to technique, method, duration, care of system, patient suspectibility, or closed/open system.

Signs/Symptoms

Fever, increased WBCs, dysuria, urgency, frequency, malaise

Common Pathogens

Enterococcus fecalis, Pseudomonas, aeruginosa, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida sp.

Antibiotics (empiric)

Penicillins + aminoglycoside, Beta-lactamase inhibitors, Extended spectrum penicillins, Fluoroquinolones
**Treatment option depends on institutional sensitivities of presumed organisms**