Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which factor listed does not increase the risk of mortality for patients diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia?

1. Alcoholism

2. Very young age or the elderly

3. Multiple lobar involvement

4. Hypertension

The correct answer is: Hypertension

The factor that does not increase the risk of mortality for patients diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia is hypertension. While hypertension is a common comorbidity, it is not independently associated with a significant increase in the mortality risk specific to bacterial pneumonia. In fact, many patients with hypertension may effectively manage their condition with medication and lifestyle changes, which can mitigate the overall impact on their health outcomes. In contrast, alcoholism, very young age or the elderly, and multiple lobar involvement are well-documented factors that can significantly increase mortality risk in bacterial pneumonia cases. Alcoholism can impair the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections and complicating their ability to recover. Very young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable due to their often underdeveloped or weakened immune systems, respectively. Multiple lobar involvement indicates a more severe infection that is likely to lead to greater respiratory compromise and associated complications, also contributing to higher mortality rates.