Diagnosis confirmed when four or more of the following are present: |
 Clinical factors |
• New abnormal breath sounds on auscultation different to pre-operative assessment • Production of yellow or green sputum different to pre-operative assessment • Pulse oximetry oxygen saturation (SpO2) <90 % on room air on more than one consecutive post-operative day • Raised maximum oral temperature >38 °C more than one consecutive day |
 Diagnostic factors |
• Chest radiograph report of collapse/consolidation. *When a CXR has been taken but no report is available, a ward medical officer or a senior respiratory physiotherapist with more than 10 years’ experience will be asked to report • An unexplained WCC greater than 11 × 109/L • Presence of infection on sputum culture report • Physician’s diagnosis of *pneumonia, URTI, or an undefined chest infection, or prescription of an antibiotic for a respiratory infection |