Lung Abscess:

Lung  abscess  is a localised collection of pus in  the pulmonary parenchyma as a result of  suppuration and necrosis. The obstruction  of the bronchus of the involved  area is usually the preceding  event. Pulmonary  abscess may be multiple  or solitary. Solitary abscesses are encountered in tuberculosis,  pneumococcal or staphylococcal pneumonia and infected  congenitalcysts. It could occur  following  aspiration of foreign body or aspiration during operation of nasopharynx  and occasionally  following mpture of amoebic liver abscess  into lung or superadded infection of hydatid  cyst. Multiple abscess are encountered in Klebseilla  or staphylococcal  pneumonia with bronchiectasis,  following septicemia  in patient with hydrocephalus and in patients with agamma-globinaemia. The abscess may rupture into pleural space leading  to pyopneumothorax.  If the abscess is situated in the peripheral part, it may result in pleurisy  or  if it ruptures in pleura it may cause, empyema or pyopneumothorax. 

Nursing Assessment:

Child may present with fever, anorexia, pallor, lethargy, cough with foul smelling expectoration, chest pain, dyspnoea and haemoptysis. 

Diagnostic  evaluation include X-ray chest which shows cavity with or without  fluid surrounded by area of consolidation.