NURS 201 Med Surg Notes for Exam 1
Questions and Correct Answers 2026
What is pneumonia? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>An inflammatory process in the lung caused by a
microorganism. Most often caused by infectious organism; but can also be chemical (non-
infectious).
Who is at risk for pneumonia? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>- <4 and >65 years old
- Immunocompromised (e.g. HIV, AIDS)
- Chronic, debilitating diseases (esp. pulmonary)
- Institutionalized (increased risk for transmission)
- Clients on ventilators
Etiology of Pneumonia - <CORRECT ANSWER >>Organisms reach lungs by:
- Inhalation of microbes in the air
- Aspiration of normal upper airway flora, or of fluids, substances or secretions
Examples of inhalation pneumonia and its risk factors - <CORRECT ANSWER >>- Strep.
pneumonia (very contagious)
- Also, fungal mushroom spores (mycoplasma pneumonia)
- Risks increased with cigarette smoking (due to normal defenses being compromised)
Examples of aspiration pneumonia and its risk factors - <CORRECT ANSWER >>- Stomach
contents d/t vomitus
- Can be bacterial or chemical (non-infectious)
- Risks: decreased LOC, dementia, dysphagia, NG tube, depressed gag or depressed cough reflex
What are the 2 types of pneumonia? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>Community acquired (CAP)
, - Onset in community or during first two days (48 hours) of hospitalization
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common
Hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP)
- Onset >48 hours after admission
- Highest morbidity and mortality of all nosocomial infections
Symptoms of pneumonia - <CORRECT ANSWER >>High fever, chills, cough with sputum or
phlegm, SOB, pleuritic chest pain, general malaise, tachycardia, headache, loss of appetite,
clammy skin, hemoptysis
Define hemoptysis - <CORRECT ANSWER >>Coughing up of blood or blood-stained mucus from
the bronchi, larynx, trachea, or lungs. In other words, it is the airway bleeding.
Define pleurisy - <CORRECT ANSWER >>Inflammation of the pleura. Patient may describe the
pain as "it hurts to cough"
What is different in an elderly individual with pneumonia? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>Fever &
cough may be absent until late.
Most common initial sign: acute confused r/t hypoxia
What are common physical examination findings of pneumonia? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>-
Dullness to percussion
- Increased fremitus (vibratory tremors that can be felt through the chest by palpation)
- Bronchial breath sounds
- Crackles and Wheezes
- Hypoxia
- Tachypnea
Questions and Correct Answers 2026
What is pneumonia? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>An inflammatory process in the lung caused by a
microorganism. Most often caused by infectious organism; but can also be chemical (non-
infectious).
Who is at risk for pneumonia? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>- <4 and >65 years old
- Immunocompromised (e.g. HIV, AIDS)
- Chronic, debilitating diseases (esp. pulmonary)
- Institutionalized (increased risk for transmission)
- Clients on ventilators
Etiology of Pneumonia - <CORRECT ANSWER >>Organisms reach lungs by:
- Inhalation of microbes in the air
- Aspiration of normal upper airway flora, or of fluids, substances or secretions
Examples of inhalation pneumonia and its risk factors - <CORRECT ANSWER >>- Strep.
pneumonia (very contagious)
- Also, fungal mushroom spores (mycoplasma pneumonia)
- Risks increased with cigarette smoking (due to normal defenses being compromised)
Examples of aspiration pneumonia and its risk factors - <CORRECT ANSWER >>- Stomach
contents d/t vomitus
- Can be bacterial or chemical (non-infectious)
- Risks: decreased LOC, dementia, dysphagia, NG tube, depressed gag or depressed cough reflex
What are the 2 types of pneumonia? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>Community acquired (CAP)
, - Onset in community or during first two days (48 hours) of hospitalization
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common
Hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP)
- Onset >48 hours after admission
- Highest morbidity and mortality of all nosocomial infections
Symptoms of pneumonia - <CORRECT ANSWER >>High fever, chills, cough with sputum or
phlegm, SOB, pleuritic chest pain, general malaise, tachycardia, headache, loss of appetite,
clammy skin, hemoptysis
Define hemoptysis - <CORRECT ANSWER >>Coughing up of blood or blood-stained mucus from
the bronchi, larynx, trachea, or lungs. In other words, it is the airway bleeding.
Define pleurisy - <CORRECT ANSWER >>Inflammation of the pleura. Patient may describe the
pain as "it hurts to cough"
What is different in an elderly individual with pneumonia? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>Fever &
cough may be absent until late.
Most common initial sign: acute confused r/t hypoxia
What are common physical examination findings of pneumonia? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>-
Dullness to percussion
- Increased fremitus (vibratory tremors that can be felt through the chest by palpation)
- Bronchial breath sounds
- Crackles and Wheezes
- Hypoxia
- Tachypnea
