An obese 85-year-old client, who is an avid gardener and eats only home-grown fruits, legumes, and vegetables, is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia after having an upper respiratory tract infection for a week. Which factor puts the client at greatest risk for developing pneumonia?

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11ecbb05_ca68_d095_b433_b92e14e6f6b6_MD0009_00 Pneumonia is an inflammatory process in the alveoli and interstitium of the lung usually caused by an infectious or noninfectious agent. Any condition, such as advanced age (>65), that compromises the respiratory system's protective mechanical or immune mechanisms to maintain the sterility of the lower airway can increase the risk for pneumonia. (Options B, C, and D) Working in the garden and being exposed to environmental factors (eg, pollen), eating a vegetarian diet, and obesity do not pose the greatest risks for development of pneumonia. Educational objective: Any condition that compromises the respiratory system's protective mechanical or immune mechanisms, which maintain the sterility of the lower airway, can increase the risk for pneumonia.

An Obese 85-Year-Old Client, Who Is an Avid Gardener and Eats