Atelectasis Flashcards
1
Q
What is atelectasis?
A
A common postoperative complication in which basal alveolar collapse can lead to respiratory difficulty
2
Q
What is the cause of atelectasis?
A
Postoperative
Caused when the airways become obstructed by bronchial secretions
3
Q
What are the features of atelectasis?
A
Dyspnoea and hypoxaemia around 72 hours postopereatively
4
Q
What is the management of atelectasis?
A
Positioning the patient upright
Chest physiotherapy: breathing exercises
