Atelectasis Flashcards
incomplete expansion of the lungs in infants
neonatal atelectasis
the collapse of a previously inflated lung in children or adults
acquired atelectasis
What are the 4 types of atelectasis?
- Reabsorption atelectasis
- Alveolar collapse atelectasis
- Compressive atelectasis
- Contraction atelectasis
What is reabsorption atelectasis also known as?
obstructive atelectasis
Complete _______ results in reabsorption of _____ (gas) in lobe/whole lung while maintaining ______ intrapleural _______.
Complete obstruction results in reabsorption of oxygen (gas) in lobe/whole lung while maintaining negative intrapleural pressure
What happens to lung volume in reabsorption atelectasis if there is a large enough lung volume affected?
lung volume decreases
What happens to the trachea in reabsorption atelectasis if there is a large enough lung volume affected?
trachea deviates towards the affected lung
Is reabsorption atelectasis reversible or not?
Yes, it is reversible
How do you reverse reabsorption atelectasis?
Reversible by removing obstruction and reinflating
What color is the reabsorption atelectic lung on xray and why?
reabsorption atelectic lung tissue is white because of increased tissue density caused by loss of air
What does surfactant do?
Surfactant lowers surface tension within alveoli, keeping them inflated
What does insufficient surfactant result in?
results in collapse
What does inadequate ventilation of a lung or part of a lung result in?
results in absorption of alveolar air and collapse of the alveoli
In alveolar collapse atelectasis, can there be tracheal deviation? If so, which direction will it deviate?
Depending on amount of lung tissue affected either will not cause tracheal deviation the (small atelectasis) or deviate towards the affected lung (large atelectasis)
Is alveolar collapse atelectasis reversible?
Yes, it is reversible
How is alveolar collapse atelectasis reversible?
Reversible by adding surfactant
What does adding surfactant do?
adding surfactant increases ventilation
pleural cavity becomes filled with tumor, air, or fluid, compressing lung tissue
compressive atelectasis
Does the trachea deviate with compressive atelectasis?
Yes, the trachea deviates AWAY from the affected lung
Why does the trachea deviate AWAY from the affected lung in compressive atelectasis?
Since the pleural space becomes filled, it pushes the mediastinum away
Is compressive atelectasis reversible?
Yes, it is reversible
How is compressive atelectasis reversible?
Reversible with removal of compressing mass
Dependent intrapleural fluid accumulation resulting in lung compression
compressive atelectasis
Fibrotic changes of the lung or pleura prevent full expansion of the lung (or actually contract the lung to a smaller volume)
contraction atelectasis
Is contraction atelectasis a fast or slow process?
slow process
What happens to the intrapleural space created during contraction?
intrapleural space created during contraction will fill with fluid
Is there tracheal deviation with contraction atelectasis?
NO, there is no tracheal deviation
Is contraction atelectasis reversible?
NO, contraction atelectasis is irreversible
What are some risk factors for alveolar collapse atelectasis?
- anesthesia
- prolonged bed rest
- shallow breathing
- premature birth
What are some risk factors for obstruction atelectasis?
- foreign object
- mucus
- tumor
What are some risk factors for contraction atelectasis?
-inflammatory lung diseases –> fibrosis
What are some risk factors for compressive atelectasis?
- pneumothorax
- hemothorax
- pleural effusion
What are some symptoms of atelectasis?
- SOB
- chest pain
- cough
- low-grade fever
What is a complication of atelectasis?
pneumonia
What are the components for evaluation for atelectasis?
- history and PE
- CXR, CT
- Oximetry, arterial blood gas, acid-base balance
