Lung Abscess:
Lung abscess is a localised collection of pus in the pulmonary parenchyma as a result of suppuration and necrosis. The obstruction of the bronchus of the involved area is usually the preceding event. Pulmonary abscess may be multiple or solitary. Solitary abscesses are encountered in tuberculosis, pneumococcal or staphylococcal pneumonia and infected congenitalcysts. It could occur following aspiration of foreign body or aspiration during operation of nasopharynx and occasionally following mpture of amoebic liver abscess into lung or superadded infection of hydatid cyst. Multiple abscess are encountered in Klebseilla or staphylococcal pneumonia with bronchiectasis, following septicemia in patient with hydrocephalus and in patients with agamma-globinaemia. The abscess may rupture into pleural space leading to pyopneumothorax. If the abscess is situated in the peripheral part, it may result in pleurisy or if it ruptures in pleura it may cause, empyema or pyopneumothorax.
Nursing Assessment:
Child may present with fever, anorexia, pallor, lethargy, cough with foul smelling expectoration, chest pain, dyspnoea and haemoptysis.
Diagnostic evaluation include X-ray chest which shows cavity with or without fluid surrounded by area of consolidation.