LRA-213 Chest - Pathology

Question 1

define atelectasis

Answer 1

• condition
• collapse of all or a portion of a lung occurs as the result of obstruction of the bronchus or puncture or “blowout” of an air passageway
• less air = radiodense
• may cause the trachea and heart to shift to the affected side.

Question 2

define bronchitis

Answer 2

• acute or chronic condition
• excessive mucus is secreted into the bronchi, causing cough and shortness of breath.
• (infectious) bronchitis is caused by viruses or bacteria
• generally happens in the lower lobes
• main cause is smoking

Question 3

define emphysema

Answer 3

• irreversible and chronic lung disease
• air spaces in the alveoli become greatly enlarged as a result of alveolar wall destruction and loss of alveolar elasticity
• Air tends not to be expelled during expiration, resulting in seriously labored breathing with impedance of gas exchange within the lungs
• causes are smoking and long term dust inhalation
• Lung fields appear very radiolucent

Question 4

define pleural effusion

Answer 4

a condition of abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity

Question 5

define pleurisy

Answer 5

• inflammation of the pleura surrounding the lungs
• cause is visceral and parietal pleura “rubbing” during respiration, which results in severe pain

Question 6

define pneumonia

Answer 6

inflammation of the lungs that results in accumulation of fluid within certain sections of the lungs

Question 7

define pneumothorax

Answer 7

• an accumulation of air in the pleural space that causes partial or complete collapse of the lung
• results in immediate and severe shortness of breath and chest pain.

Question 8

define tuberculosis (TB)

Answer 8

contagious disease (potentially fatal) that is caused by airborne bacteria