Lesson 1Focused respiratory assessment: inspection, auscultation, cough, sputum characteristics, work of breathing, and pulse oximetry interpretationOffers a structured way to assess breathing in pneumonia cases, covering inspection, listening to lungs, evaluating cough and sputum, effort in breathing, and understanding pulse oximetry to spot decline and direct care actions effectively.
Inspect chest expansion and accessory muscle useListen for crackles, wheezes, or reduced soundsCheck cough strength and sputum featuresEvaluate breathing effort and tirednessInterpret SpO₂ against normal levelsLesson 2Infection control and isolation precautions: hand hygiene, mask use, respiratory etiquette, and room assignment considerationsDiscusses infection control and isolation for pneumonia, including proper hand washing, mask and protective gear use, cough manners, room choices, and teaching patients to cut down spread and safeguard staff and visitors in busy wards.
Practice hand hygiene at crucial timesChoose right mask and protective equipmentTeach patient cough etiquetteDecide on isolation needsInform family about preventing infectionsLesson 3History-focused questions and medication reconciliation: recent symptoms, allergies, current meds, last oral intake, advance directivesDirects focused history collection and medication review for pneumonia, highlighting recent breathing issues, exposures, allergies, ongoing medicines, last food intake, and end-of-life wishes to shape safe, personal care plans.
Clarify start and worsening of symptomsCheck allergies and past reactionsMatch home and hospital medicationsAssess recent eating and choking riskVerify emergency status and directivesLesson 4Peripheral IV and lines assessment: site inspection, patency checks, infusion verification, and documentationExamines thorough checks of arm IVs and other lines in pneumonia patients, concentrating on site condition, flow checks, right fluids and speeds, matching, and proper recording to avoid issues and ensure safe treatment delivery.
Check IV site for redness, swelling, or leaksTest flow with flushing and resistanceConfirm fluid, speed, and machine settingsVerify labels, dates, and fluid matchesSpot and handle IV problems quicklyLesson 5Pain and discomfort assessment: use of pain scales, location/quality/aggravating factors and impact on breathingLooks at organised pain and discomfort checks in pneumonia, using reliable scales, describing chest pain, effects on coughing and deep breaths, and adjusting treatments to aid oxygen intake and ease in Zambian clinical practice.
Pick suitable pain scales for ageTell pleuritic from heart chest painCheck pain's effect on cough and breathingReview response to painkillers and timingApply non-drug comfort methodsLesson 6Glucose and comorbidity screening: point-of-care glucose checks, medication review for diabetes and hypertension interactionsDeals with glucose and other health issue screening in pneumonia patients, focusing on quick bedside sugar tests, checking diabetes and high blood pressure treatments, and spotting clashes that influence infection results.
Do bedside glucose test on arrivalSpot stress high sugar in sicknessReview diabetes drugs and schedulesCheck blood pressure and water pill useWork with doctors on changesLesson 7Vital signs and trends: interpreting temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation in contextExplains taking and understanding vital signs and patterns in pneumonia, combining temperature, pulse, breathing rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels to find sepsis, breathing failure, and health decline early.
Take full vital signs setSpot unusual breathing rate patternsLink fever to infection seriousnessTrack blood pressure and blood flowRecognise early sepsis and shock signsLesson 8Neurologic and functional assessment: orientation, level of consciousness, mobility limitations and fall riskConcentrates on brain and daily function checks in pneumonia, covering awareness, alertness, movement, usual abilities, and fall dangers, to detect low oxygen effects and plan safe activities and watches.
Check awareness and mind changesUse standard alertness scales if neededScreen usual movement and help needsSpot inner and outer fall risksApply fall prevention stepsLesson 9Rapid primary survey: airway, breathing, circulation priorities and immediate safety checksOutlines quick primary check for pneumonia patients, prioritising airway, breathing, and blood flow, with instant safety reviews, positioning, and alert steps to steady the patient on entry or during sudden shifts.
Check airway openness and block signsEvaluate breathing pattern and chest motionInspect blood flow, skin colour, and pulsesPosition patient for best air flowStart quick response or doctor alert
