Atelectasis- lung anatomy & physiology definition types causes clinical manifestations assessment & diagnstic tests orevention treatment easy explanation for nursing students

1. ATELECTASIS
PRESENTED BY
SWATILEKHA DAS
ASST. PROFESSOR

2. LUNG ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
Air enters the mouth or nose and travels through the windpipe, bronchi and
bronchioles to the alveoli. The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place in
the alveoli: The alveoli absorb oxygen from the air and pass it into the blood, which
circulates the oxygen around the body.

3. DEFINITION
Atelectasis is the collapse or closure of a lung resulting in
reduced or absent gas exchange. It may affect part or all of
a lung. It is usually unilateral. It is a condition where the
alveoli are deflated down to little or no volume, as distinct
from pulmonary consolidation, in which they are filled with
liquid.

5. CAUSES
 Obstruction of a main bronchus
 Massive pleural effusion
 Massive pneumothorax

6. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Blockage or reduced ventilation
Obstruction of passage of air from & to
alveoli
Trapped alveolar air absorbed into
bloodstream
Affected portion of alveoli becomes airless
Alveoli collapse (Atelectasis)

7. Clinical Manifestations
• Cough, sputum production & low grade fever
• Marked respiratory distress
• Dyspnea, tachycardia
• Tachypnea, pleural pain & central cyanosis
• Difficulty breathing in supine position
• Anxious

8. Assessment and Diagnostic
Findings
• Physical examination reveals decreased
breath sounds or crackles over consolidated
areas
• Chest X ray (patchy infiltrates or
consolidates areas)
• Pulse oximetry SpO2(Less than 90%)

9. PREVENTION
• Frequent turning, early mobilization, change patients
position frequently
• Deep breathing exercises
• Incentive spirometry
• Directed coughing, suctioning, aerosol nebulizer
treatments followed by chest physiotherapy
• Postural drainage & chest percussion or bronchoscopy

10. Medical Management
 Remove secretions by coughing or suctioning
 Chest physical therapy (percussion or postural drainage)
 Nebulizer therapy with bronchodilators
 Sodium bicarbonate may be used to remove secretions
 To remove obstruction bronchoscopy is performed.
 Endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation may be
necessary in case of respiratory failure.
 Thoracentesis, removal of fluid by needle