Atelectasis

Question 1

What are causes of atelectasis?

Answer 1

1. Airway obstruction w. musus and solid object

2. lack of surfactant in fluids lining the alveoli

Question 2

What are the effects of atelectasis?

Answer 2

1. lung collapse lead to compression of veins
2. increases blood flow resistance
3. vasoconstriction due to hypoxia in collapsed alveoli

Question 3

What are anatomic alterations of the lungs?

Answer 3

Alveoli - most common
Lung segment
Lung lobe
Entire lung - rare

Question 4

When is post-op atelectasis seen?

Answer 4

after upper abdominal and thoracic surgical procedure