Lesson 1Focused respiratory assessment: inspection, auscultation, cough, sputum characteristics, work of breathing, and pulse oximetry interpretationProvides a structured respiratory assessment for pneumonia, including inspection, auscultation, cough and sputum evaluation, work of breathing, and pulse oximetry interpretation to recognize deterioration and guide interventions.
Inspect chest expansion and accessory useAuscultate for crackles, wheezes, or diminishedAssess cough effectiveness and sputum traitsEvaluate work of breathing and fatigueInterpret SpO₂ in context of baselineLesson 2Infection control and isolation precautions: hand hygiene, mask use, respiratory etiquette, and room assignment considerationsCovers infection control and isolation for pneumonia, including hand hygiene, mask and PPE use, respiratory etiquette, room placement, and patient education to reduce transmission and protect staff and visitors.
Apply hand hygiene at all key momentsSelect appropriate mask and PPE levelReinforce patient respiratory etiquetteDetermine need for isolation precautionsEducate family on infection preventionLesson 3History-focused questions and medication reconciliation: recent symptoms, allergies, current meds, last oral intake, advance directivesGuides targeted history taking and medication reconciliation for pneumonia, emphasizing recent respiratory symptoms, exposures, allergies, current medications, last oral intake, and advance directives to inform safe, individualized care.
Clarify onset and progression of symptomsReview allergies and prior reactionsReconcile home and inpatient medicationsAssess last oral intake and aspiration riskConfirm code status and advance directivesLesson 4Peripheral IV and lines assessment: site inspection, patency checks, infusion verification, and documentationCovers systematic assessment of peripheral IVs and other lines in pneumonia patients, focusing on site integrity, patency, correct solution and rate, compatibility, and accurate documentation to prevent complications and ensure safe therapy.
Inspect IV site for redness, swelling, or leakageAssess patency with flush and resistance evaluationVerify solution, rate, and pump settingsCheck line labeling, dates, and compatibilityIdentify and manage IV complications earlyLesson 5Pain and discomfort assessment: use of pain scales, location/quality/aggravating factors and impact on breathingExplores structured pain and discomfort assessment in pneumonia, including use of validated scales, characterization of chest pain, impact on coughing and deep breathing, and tailoring interventions to support oxygenation and comfort.
Select age-appropriate pain assessment scalesDifferentiate pleuritic from cardiac chest painAssess impact of pain on cough and breathingEvaluate response to analgesics and timingUse nonpharmacologic comfort strategiesLesson 6Glucose and comorbidity screening: point-of-care glucose checks, medication review for diabetes and hypertension interactionsAddresses glucose and comorbidity screening in pneumonia patients, focusing on point-of-care glucose testing, review of diabetes and hypertension therapies, and identification of interactions that may affect infection outcomes.
Perform point-of-care glucose on admissionRecognize stress hyperglycemia in infectionReview diabetes medications and timingAssess antihypertensive and diuretic useCoordinate adjustments with provider teamLesson 7Vital signs and trends: interpreting temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation in contextExplains how to obtain and interpret vital signs and trends in pneumonia, integrating temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation to detect sepsis, respiratory failure, and clinical decline.
Measure complete set of vital signsIdentify abnormal respiratory rate patternsCorrelate fever with infection severityTrend blood pressure and perfusion statusRecognize early sepsis and shock indicatorsLesson 8Neurologic and functional assessment: orientation, level of consciousness, mobility limitations and fall riskFocuses on neurologic and functional assessment in pneumonia, including level of consciousness, orientation, mobility, baseline function, and fall risk, to detect hypoxia-related changes and plan safe activity and monitoring.
Assess orientation and mental status changesUse standardized LOC scales when indicatedScreen baseline mobility and assistive needsIdentify intrinsic and extrinsic fall risksImplement fall prevention interventionsLesson 9Rapid primary survey: airway, breathing, circulation priorities and immediate safety checksDetails the rapid primary survey for pneumonia patients, prioritizing airway, breathing, and circulation, while performing immediate safety checks, positioning, and escalation steps to stabilize the patient on arrival or during acute changes.
Assess airway patency and obstruction signsEvaluate breathing pattern and chest movementCheck circulation, skin color, and pulsesPosition patient for optimal ventilationInitiate rapid response or provider notification
