Respiratory and covid-19 lecture
atelectasis - correct answer Closure or collapse of alveoli
Caused by hypoventilation, obstruction to the airway or compressions.
Most common is acute atelectasis, which occurs in the postoperative setting
Symptoms: insidious, increasing dyspnea, cough, and sputum production
Acute: tachycardia, tachypnea, pleural pain, and central cyanosis if large areas of the lung are
affected
Chronic: similar to acute, pulmonary infection may be present
Aspiration - correct answer the inhalation of food, fluid, or foreign material into the lower airway
symptoms of atelectasis - correct answer insidious, increasing dyspnea, cough, and sputum
production
Acute: tachy cardia, tachypnea, pleural pain, and central cyanosis if large areas of the lung are
affected
Chronic: similar to acute, pulmonary infection may be present
Assessment and Diagnosis for Atelectasis - correct answer Characterized by increased work of
breathing and hypoxemia
Decreased breath sounds and crackles over the affected area
Chest x-ray may suggest a diagnosis of atelectasis before clinical symptoms appear
Pulse oximetry (SpO2) may demonstrate a low saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen (less than
90%)
Nursing Interventions for Atelectasis - correct answer Prevention
Frequent turning
Early mobilization
Strategies to expand lungs and manage secretions
Incentive spirometer
Voluntary deep breathing
Secretion management
Pressurized metered-dose inhaler
Administer prescribed opioids to prevent respiratory depression
Improve ventilation and remove secretions
First‐line measures:
Frequent turning, early ambulation, lung volume expansion maneuvers and coughing
Multidisciplinary: ICOUGH (see Chart 19‐3)
PEEP, CPAB, bronchoscopy
CPT
