atelectasis

Question 1

what is atelectasis?

Answer 1

partial collapse or incomplete inflation of the lung

Question 2

what are the consequences of atelectasis?

Answer 2

impaired gas exchange and decreased oxygenation

Question 3

what are the 3 main types of atelectasis?

Answer 3

Obstructive
Non-obstructive
Compressive

Question 4

what is obstructive atelectasis?

Answer 4

atelectasis caused by blockage (e.g. mucus plugs, forgein body, tumour) that prevents air reaching alveoli

Question 5

what is non-obstructive atelectasis?

Answer 5

atelectasis caused by external pressure (e.g. pleural effusion/pneumothorax) or decreased surfactant production

Question 6

what is compressive atelectasis?

Answer 6

when pressure from outside the lung (e.g. pleural effusion or tumour) prevents lung expansion

Question 7

what are clinical signs of atelectasis?

Answer 7

• decreased breath sounds
• dulness to percussion
• decreased chest expansion

Question 8

what are symptoms of atelectasis?

Answer 8

• SOB
• chest pain
• cough
• hypoxia

Question 9

why is atelectasis common post-surgery?

Answer 9

Impaired Ventilation

Decreased Deep Breathing

Impaired Mucocilary Clearance

Question 10

why is ventilation impaired post-surgery?

Answer 10

• general anesthesia causes reduced FRC and diaphragmatic dysfunction
• supine position during surgery limits lung expansion

Question 11

why is deep breathing decreased post-surgery?

Answer 11

Pain makes patients reluctant to take deep breaths or cough, leading to hypoventilation and collapsed alveoli

Question 12

why is mucocillary clearance impaired post-surgery?

Answer 12

• anesthesia suppresses cough reflex
• secretions build up in airways promoting mucus plugging and obstruction

Question 13

what are treatments for Post-surgery Atelectasis?

Answer 13

• Early mobilisation
• Incentive spirometry: encourages sustained maximal inspirations to re-expand alveoli
• ACBT
• Suctioning if cannot clear
• Pain control