Pneumonia and Gas Exchange

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 Pneumonia and Gas Exchange to bedside cues you will reassess first: vitals trends, work of breathing, perfusion, mentation, and pain or ischemic equivalents when relevant. NCLEX items often reward recognizing when subtle instability outweighs reassurance, then selecting nursing actions that protect airway, circulation, and neurologic status before routine tasks.