Atelectasis

Atelectasis

A obstruction in the airways or pressure on the exterior of the lung can contribute to atelectasis. After surgery or in people who have just been hospitalized, it is typical. Alveoli or lungs collapsing is known as atelectasis. It might be:

Acute

Post- operative settings, people who are immobilized.

Chronic

In COPD patient insidious and slower in onset.

Pathophysiology

• May be brought on by any obstructions that prevent air from reaching or leaving the alveoli.
• Because of the leak, outside air is unable to replenish the trapped alveolar air that has been absorbed into the blood stream.
• Athelectasis results from the isolated lung area becoming airless and the alveoli collapsing.

Clinical Feature

• Tachycardia,
• Tachypnea,
• Pleural pain,
• Central cyanosis,
• Fever low grade,
• Cough,
• Sputum,
• Dyspnea,
• Insidious development.

Diagnostic Assessment

• Chest x-ray , collapse of lungs,
• Pulse oximetry,
• Blood gas,
• Decreased sounds and crackles over the affected area or clinical examination.

Management

• A first line preventive strategy is to minimize or treat atelectasis by improving ventilation.
• PEEP therapy,
• IPPB,
• Bronchoscopy,
• Remove secretion by coughing and suctioning.
• Chest physiotherapy,
• Nebulization with bronchodilator medication.

Nursing Management

• Provide comfortable zone,
• Monitor the vital signs,
• Adequate diet provide,
• Psychological support was given,
• Monitor the weight,
• Removed secretions,
• Suctioning frequently,
• Surgical management in case,
• Removed obstruction.

Prevention

• Often alter the patient's posture,
• Promote early movement and ambulation,
• Encourage practicing deep breathing,
• If necessary, carry out chest percussion and postural drainage,
• Tracheobronchial secretion if necessary.

References

• emedicine.medscape.com/article/296468-overview
• https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/atl
• www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atelectasis/basics/definition/con-20034847