Atelectasis Flashcards
1
Q
Define atelectasis
A
Collapse or closure of lung resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange. Alveolar are deflated.
2
Q
What causes atelectasis?
A
ATElectaSIS
- Assisted ventilation
- Tobacco
- Elderly
- Surfactant is rubbish
-
Impeding structure
- Airway (foreign body, mucus plug)
- Wall (tumor, usually squamous cell carcinoma)
- Outside (tumor, lymph node, tuberculosis)
- Surgery
3
Q
What are symptoms of atelectesis?
A
- Cough & chest pain
- Dyspnoea (fast & shallow), low O2 states, tachycardia, cyanosis
- Pleural effusios
4
Q
How do you diagnose atelectasis?
A
- CXR
- Computed tomography
- Bronchoscopy
