Ch.4 - Recognizing Opacified Hemithorax

Question 1

Atelectasis in older people?

Answer 1

Bronchogenic carcinoma.

Question 2

Atelectasis in critically ill people?

Answer 2

Mucous plugs.

Question 3

Atelectasis in young people?

Answer 3

Asthma or foreign body.

Question 4

Important point in atelectasis?

Answer 4

The visceral + parietal pneumothorax NEVER separate from each other.
–> UNLIKE pneumothorax.

Question 5

Why are the MOBILE structures in the thorax “pulled” toward the side of the atelectasis?

Answer 5

Because the visceral and the parietal pleural do NOT separate from each other.

Question 6

The most VISIBLE MOBILE structures in the thorax are?

Answer 6

1. Heart.
2. Trachea.
3. Hemidiaphragms.

Question 7

Cancer with a perfect balance …?

Answer 7

At times, there may be a perfect BALANCE between the PUSH of a malignant effusion and the PULL of underlying obstructive atelectasis from the malignancy itself.

Question 8

To perform a pneumonectomy?

Answer 8

Either the 5th or 6th rib on the affected side is almost always removed.

Question 9

By about … after surgery, the pneumonectomized hemithorax should be completely opaque.

Answer 9

4 months.

Question 10

After pneumonectomy, the mobile structures gradually shift?

Answer 10

TOWARDS the side of the opacification.

Question 11

3+1 causes of opacified hemithorax?

Answer 11

1. Atelectasis of the entire lung.
2. A very large pleural effusion.
3. Pneumonia of an entire lung.
4. Pneumonectomy.