Instructed patient about factors that increase risk for pneumonia, such as smoking and air pollution, upper respiratory infections, prolonged immobility, malnutrition; chronic diseases: diabetes, cancer, renal disease, cardiac disease; exposure to cold, damp weather, inhalation of noxious substances, use of immunosuppressive drugs; age: very young or very old, frequent intoxication from alcohol.
Instructed patient about signs and symptoms of pneumonia: high fever and chills, chest pain, cough that may be productive, green, yellow or rust-colored sputum, malaise, loss of appetite, rapid pulse and rapid breathing.
Instructed patient about measures to prevent or treat pneumonia: eating well balanced meals, adequate rest, avoiding upper respiratory infections or getting promptly treatment for early symptoms, drinking large amounts of fluids to thin secretions and replace fluid loss, avoiding spread of infections by washing hands and properly dispose of tissues. Avoid smoking; perform coughing and deep breathing exercises.