Pneumonia and influenza are the seventh and eighth leading causes of death for men and women over the age of 65, respectively, according to Statistics Canada. To prevent pneumonia and influenza in the older adult, what is the priority nursing intervention?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Administering the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines is the priority nursing intervention to prevent pneumonia and influenza in older adults. These vaccines are proven to be effective in preventing infections and their complications. Providing supplemental oxygen and administering antibiotics are necessary interventions for treating pneumonia, but they do not prevent the disease. Promoting functional capacity and smoking cessation are important health promotion strategies, but they do not directly prevent pneumonia and influenza.

Pneumonia and Influenza Are the Seventh and Eighth Leading Causes