After treatment for bacterial pneumonia, what outcome should the nurse expect for an elderly client?

The expected outcome for an elderly client after treatment for bacterial pneumonia includes the ability to perform activities of daily living without experiencing dyspnea. Successful treatment of pneumonia should lead to improved lung function and overall respiratory health, allowing the patient to engage in normal daily activities with minimal or no shortness of breath.

In elderly patients, maintaining functional independence is crucial, as any decline in the ability to perform daily tasks can significantly impact their quality of life. Therefore, the absence of dyspnea during these activities indicates effective management of the pneumonia and a positive recovery trajectory.

The other outcomes do not appropriately reflect the expected results of treatment for bacterial pneumonia. A respiratory rate of 25 to 30 breaths per minute is indicative of respiratory distress and is not a sign of recovery. A loss of 5 to 10 pounds post-treatment does not necessarily correlate with recovery from pneumonia and could suggest other health issues. Lastly, minimized chest pain through splinting is not a typical outcome expected after treatment of pneumonia, as effective treatment should resolve the underlying pathology causing the pain rather than focusing on methods to manage it.