Pneumonia in the Kenntnisprüfung
Inflammation of the lung tissue – an exam topic because pneumonia prophylaxis is one of the most important nursing tasks and symptoms must be recognised early.
Content created with AI assistance from public clinical sources (RKI, AWMF) – may contain mistakes; if in doubt, your textbook is right
Translated from the German original, which is authoritative. The exam itself is in German.
Sample questions from exam preparation
Which combination of symptoms most strongly suggests pneumonia in an older person?
- High fever with chills — without fever, pneumonia is unlikely
- Confusion, weakness and rapid breathing — fever may be absent
- Severe cough with purulent sputum — if there is no cough, it is practically ruled out
- Slowed breathing and a low pulse with normal consciousness
Explanation: In geriatric patients, pneumonia often has an atypical course: confusion, tachypnoea and deterioration of the general condition are in the foreground; fever may be absent. Anyone who only waits for fever will miss it.
Which respiratory rate of an adult at rest is a warning sign?
- 12 breaths per minute
- 14 breaths per minute
- 18 breaths per minute
- 28 breaths per minute
Explanation: Normal is about 12–18 breaths per minute. Tachypnoea above 20–22/min is an early and often underestimated warning indicator — that is why the respiratory rate belongs in a complete vital signs check.
Key German terms for Pneumonia
- die Atemnot / die Dyspnoe – shortness of breath / dyspnea
- der Auswurf / das Sputum – sputum (expectorated phlegm)
- abhusten – to cough up (expectorate)
- die Sauerstoffgabe – oxygen administration
- die Sauerstoffsättigung – oxygen saturation
20 exam questions on Pneumonia, plus case simulations with an AI examiner and graded feedback – practise until you feel confident.
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