Question

why is atelectasis bad? and what should the nurse do to prevent it from happening?

Answer 1

Ans) Atelectasis are bad because it either to incomplete expansion of lungs or to the collapse of previously inflated lung, producing area of relatively airless pulmonary parenchyma.

Types of atelectasis

• Resorption atelectasis: complete obstruction of an airway
• Compression atelectasis: Volume of fluid, tumour or air accumulate within pleural cavity. With compression atelectasis, mediastinum shift away from the affected lung
• contraction atelectasis: occurs when focal or generalised pulmonary or pleural fibrosis prevent full lung expansion

Preventing atelectasis:

including enhancing lung expansion and airways clearance and should begin with preoperative patient education about pain control, mobility, and deep breathing exercises with directed cough