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Why is this Important?
The pneumococcal vaccine may help you prevent, or lower the risk of complications of pneumonia caused by bacteria. It may also help you
prevent future infections. Patients with pneumonia should be asked if they have been vaccinated recently for pneumonia and, if not, should be
given the vaccine.
Higher percentages are better
Why is this Important?
Antibiotics are used to treat adults with pneumonia caused by bacteria. Early treatment with antibiotics can cure bacterial pneumonia and
reduce the possibility of complications. This information shows the percent of patients who were given their first dose of antibiotics within 4
hours of arrival at the hospital. Patients who get pneumonia during their stay at the hospital are not counted in this measure
Higher percentages are better
Why is this Important?
Pneumonia can lower the oxygen in your blood because the air spaces in your lungs fill with mucus. The oxygen you breathe does not get into
your bloodstream. It is important that the amount of oxygen in your blood be measured within 24 hours of arriving at the hospital to see if you
need oxygen therapy. The assessment may include an ABG (arterial blood gas) or pulse oximetry (electrodes attached to a part of your body
like a finger, earlobe, or skin fold).
Higher percentages are better
Why is this Important?
Smoking damages your lungs and can make it hard to breath. Smoking increases your chances of getting pneumonia or other chronic lung
diseases like emphysema and bronchitis. Smoking is also linked to lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke, and can cause premature death. It is
important for you to get information to help you quit smoking before you leave the hospital. Quitting may reduce your chance of getting
pneumonia again.
Higher percentages are better
Why is this Important?
Pneumonia is a lung infection that is usually caused by bacteria or a virus. If pneumonia is caused by bacteria, hospitals will treat the infection
with antibiotics. Different bacteria are treated with different antibiotics.
Higher percentages are better
Why is this Important?
Different types of bacteria can cause pneumonia. A blood culture is a test that lets the health care provider know which bacteria may have
caused your pneumonia, and which antibiotic should be prescribed. It is best to do the blood culture within 24 hours of arrival at the hospital
and before antibiotics are started. It is also important to start antibiotics as soon as possible. A blood culture lets your health care provider
know how to best treat you and if any precautions are necessary to prevent the spread of your illness.
Higher percentages are better
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