Why Are Pneumococcal Pneumonia Infections So Dangerous in Nursing Homes

question 90

Multiple Choice

Why are pneumococcal pneumonia infections so dangerous in nursing homes?

• A) There is a vaccine for protecting children against pneumococcal pneumonia but no vaccine available for protection of older adults.
• B) There is no longer an antibiotic effective against the infection, and older adults are unable to fight the infection without medication.
• C) This type of pneumonia causes permanent lung damage, and old people often have impaired lung function in the first place.
• D) The immune system of older people is usually impaired, leaving them predisposed to more serious and potentially life-threatening pneumonia.
• E) This question is misleading. Pneumococcal infections are not dangerous.

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Definitions:

Medicare Coverage

A federal health insurance program in the United States for people aged 65 and older, as well as for some younger individuals with disabilities.

Federal Government

The national government of a federated state, which shares sovereignty with the individual sub-units (such as states or provinces) and which possesses the highest authority in the land under the constitution.

End-Stage Renal Disease

A chronic condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste, electrolytes, and fluids effectively, often requiring dialysis or transplantation.

Third-Party Payers

Entities (other than the patient or healthcare provider) responsible for paying for medical services, such as insurance companies and government programs.