Atelectasis

Question 1

What is Atelectasis

Answer 1

Partial or complete collapse of alveoli

Question 2

What are the causes of atelectasis

Answer 2

Airway obstruction, 
Absorption, 
Lung compression (pneumothorax, pleural effusion), increased recoil of lung due to surfactant impairment

Question 3

What are the manifestations of Atelectasis

Answer 3

Dyspnea
Cough
Fever
Leukocytosis
Tachycardia, Cyanosis, signs of hypoxemia, diminished chest expansion, absence of breath sounds, intercostal retractions

Question 4

When is atelectasis more common?

Answer 4

After surgery –> no movement or no change in position,

produce viscous secretions –> pneumonia

Question 5

In collapsed atelectasis, what happens

Answer 5

mediastinum and trachea shift to affected side

Question 6

What happens in compression atelectasis

Answer 6

Mediastinum shifts away from affected lung

Question 7

What is acquired atelectasis

Answer 7

Mainly in adults, from airway obstruction (mucus plug, external compression, tumor, exudate)

Question 8

What is primary atelectasis

Answer 8

In newborns, lungs have never been inflated

Question 9

What is secondary atelectasis

Answer 9

infants in respiratory distress syndrome associated with lack of surfactant and airway obstruction due to aspiration of amniotic fluid or blood

Question 10

What type of VQ is atelectasis

Answer 10

Low VQ- shunting, decreased ventilation and normal Q