Disorders of Lung Inflation Flashcards
What is atelectasis?
Structural collapse of parts of the lung(s). The collapsed area will be non-functional
3 types of atelectasis:
- Obstructive/resorptive
- Compression
- Contraction
Describe obstructive/resorptive atelectasis:
The airway is obstructed -> air becomes trapped -> air is absorbed into vasculature -> local collapse (like a balloon)
Describe compression atelectasis:
Local compression from pressure -> collapse
Describe contraction atelectasis:
Contraction of scar tissue -> local collapse
What are the mnfts of atelectasis?
- Dyspnea
- Tachypnea
- Tachycardia
- Decreased chest expansion
- Tracheal shift
What mnfts of atelectasis are compensatory?
- Tachypnea: increasing the respiratory rate will increase the amount of gas exchange done in a certain amount of time
- Tachycardia: increasing blood flow to increase gas exchange (?)
How is atelectasis diagnosed?
- X-ray
- CT
- Bronchoscopy
How is atelectasis treated?
- Treat the cause
- Respiratory support
What is pleural effusion?
Fluid accumulation within the pleural cavity
What are the possible reasons for fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity?
(2)
- Increased seepage of fluid
- Decreased drainage of fluid
Fluid always follows the path of ________ resistance.
Least
What are 5 different types of fluid that may accumulate in the pleural cavity? What causes each of these types? Which is the most common type?
- Exudate
- Caused by inflm (contains increased proteins) - Transudate *most common
- Non-inflm fluid (decreased proteins) - Empyema
- Purulent - Chylothorax
- Lymph - Hemothorax
- Blood
Explain the connection between CHF and pleural effusion:
CHF -> congestion in the vessels -> slower blood flow -> Increased hydrostatic pressure in the vessels -> fluid shift/edema = pleural effusion
What are 2 causes of pleural effusion?
excluding CHF
- Infct
- CA
