1. Preventing Hospitalization
Mimi H. Baugh MSN, RN-BC, RAC-CT

2. Bacterial Pneumonia

3. What is Bacterial Pneumonia?
Infection of the lung caused by bacteria germs
The streptococcus pneumoniae germ is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia

4. Who's at risk?
Over 65 years
Have chronic illnesses like Parkinson’s disease,
diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease
Have any lung diseases such as asthma, COPD
Have any diseases that may weaken your immune system such as, cancer, HIV/AIDS
Are taking medicines that may weaken your immune system such as prednisone
Are a smoker

5. What are the signs? High fever (up to 105 degrees)
Tiredness (less energy)
Rapid breathing
Chills
Cough with mucus (might be greenish or have blood)
Chest pain, especially with coughing or deep breathing
Shortness of breath
Loss of appetite

6. How is it treated?
Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics
In some cases, the person may stay in the hospital for treatment
Hospital treatments may include:
Oxygen
Fluids and medicines given through an IV
Breathing treatments and exercises to help loosen mucus
With treatment, usually improves within 24 to 48 hours

7. Steps to prevention If you do smoke, stop Wash your hands
Get plenty of rest
Eat a healthy diet
Stay physically active
Don’t use alcohol heavily
Get a yearly flu shot
Get a pneumococcal vaccine

8. Urinary Track Infection UTI

9. What is a UTI?
A UTI is a condition where one or more parts of the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra) become infected
UTIs are the most common of all bacterial infections and can occur at any time in the life of an individual
Diabetes/chronic diseases that affect the immune system may decrease your resistance to infection

10. Who's at risk? People of any age can get UTIs
More women get UTIs than men
Diabetes or problems with the body’s natural defense system
Need a tube to drain their bladder (catheter)
Urinary tract abnormalities that block the flow of urine
Spinal cord injuries or other nerve damage

11. What are the signs?
• Frequent and intense urge to urinate
• Painful, burning feeling in the bladder or urethra during urination
• Feeling tired, shaky, and weak
• Muscle aches
• Abdominal pain
• Only small amounts of urine passed, despite a strong urge to urinate
• Cloudy, dark, or bloody urine or urine that has a foul smell
• Pain in the back or side below the ribs
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever may indicate a kidney or prostate infection

12. How is it treated?
Antibiotics that can kill the bacteria causing the infection
The antibiotic prescribed will depend on the type of bacteria causing your UTI
The length of treatment depends on:
Severity of the infection
Bacteria resistance to the antibiotic
Repeat infections
Urinary tract abnormality that blocks the flow of urine
Men may need longer treatment because bacteria can hide deep inside prostate tissue

13. Steps to prevention
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will allow your urine to be less concentrated and cause you to void more frequently.
Empty your bladder every 3-4 hours
After urinating, a woman should only wipe from front to back.

14. Steps to prevention Avoid constipation
Void immediately before and after intercourse
Avoid potentially irritating feminine products
Use cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes

15. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD

16. What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is an illness that makes it hard to breathe
COPD generally involves a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema
People with COPD are more likely to get respiratory infections  

17. Who's at risk for COPD? Cigarette smoker Age older than 40 years
Exposure to occupational dust and chemicals
Exposure to indoor air pollution
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

18. Who's at risk for COPD? Occupational Risk Factors: Cooks
Furnace workers
Grain farmers
Miners
Women who cook over open fires
Railroad workers (from exposure to diesel exhaust)

19. What are the signs of COPD?
Constant coughing
Shortness of breath
Producing a lot of sputum
Feeling like you can't breathe or take a deep breath
Wheezing

20. How is it treated? Medications for management of symptoms
If severe, oxygen therapy may be used to help with shortness of breath 
Be sure to understand how to safely use oxygen
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Surgery

21. Steps to prevention If you are a smoker, Stop smoking
If you don't smoke, don't start
Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke 
Make your home smoke-free
Take care to protect yourself against chemicals, dust and fumes in your home and at work

22. Dehydration

23. What is dehydration?
Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions, your system literally dries out
If you don't replace lost fluids, you have an increased risk for becoming dehydrated

24. Who’s at risk? Age Living in a nursing home
Neurological conditions, such Stroke or Cerebral Palsy
Memory problems or Dementia
Chronic medical conditions
Athletic competition

25. Who's at risk? Diarrhea,Vomiting,Fever
Exposure to heat & sun, Excessive sweating/exercise
Medications, including: Diuretics (water pills)& Laxatives
Fluid imbalance caused by illnesses, such as:
Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes Insipidus
Lung disease
Kidney problems
Burns

26. What are the signs? Dry, sticky mouth Sleepiness or tiredness Thirst
Decreased urine output
Few or no tears when crying
Dry skin
Sunken eyes
Headache
Constipation
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Irritability and confusion in adults
Little or no urination — any urine that is produced will be dark yellow or amber

27. How’s it treated?
Therapy aims to rehydrate the body, replace lost electrolytes, and prevent complications
If an underlying cause is identified, therapies to treat that condition may be included if appropriate
Unfortunately, thirst isn't always a reliable gauge of the body's need for water, especially in children and older adults
A better indicator is the color of your urine: Clear or light-colored urine means you're well hydrated, whereas a dark yellow or amber color usually signals dehydration

28. Steps to prevention Take water breaks throughout the day
Take a sip of water when you pass a water fountain
Carry a bottle of water with you
Drink a beverage with each meal
Drink more when exercising
Consider foods as sources of water
Keep cool

29. Next to oxygen, water is the nutrient most needed for life A person can live without food for a month, but most people can survive only three or four days without water

30. References

31. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Benjamin Franklin