Atelectasis

Question 1

What is atelectasis?

Answer 1

Common postoperative complication

Question 2

What is atelectasis due to?

Answer 2

Basal alveolar collapse which can lead to respiratory difficulty

Question 3

When should you suspect atelectasis?

Answer 3

72 hours post op
Symptoms of dyspnoea and hypoxaemia

Question 4

What are the main symptoms of atelectasis?

Answer 4

Dyspnoea
Hypoxaemia

Question 5

When does atelectasis usually occur?

Answer 5

72 hours post op

Question 6

What is the management of atelectasis?

Answer 6

Positioning the patient upright
chest physiotherapy: breathing exercises