Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Pneumonia involves alveolar consolidation from infection. CAP: S. pneumoniae most common. CURB-65 guides disposition: 0-1 outpatient, 2 consider admission, >=3 ICU. Outpatient: amoxicillin or doxycycline (healthy) or FQ/beta-lactam+macrolide (comorbidities). Procalcitonin <0.25 suggests viral. Connect Endemic Fungal Pneumonias to bedside cues you will reassess first: vitals trends, work of breathing, perfusion, mentation, and pain or ischemic equivalents when relevant. Boards reward recognizing when subtle instability outweighs reassurance, then selecting nursing actions that protect airway, circulation, and neurologic status before routine tasks.