NURS 3102 Chapter Notes - Chapter 23.1: Physical Therapy, Diaphragmatic Breathing, Partial Pressure
23 Feb 2017
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Document Summary
Management of patients with chest and lower respiratory tract. Atelectasis refers to closure or collapse of alveoli and often is described in relation to x-ray ndings and clinical signs and symptoms. Atelectasis may be acute or chronic and may cover a broad range of pathophysiologic changes, from micro atelectasis (which is not detectable on chest x-ray) to macro atelectasis with loss of segmental, lobar, or overall lung volume. Excess secretions or mucous plugs may also cause obstruction of air ow and result in atelectasis in an area of the lung. Atelectasis also is observed in patients with a chronic airway obstruction that impedes or blocks air ow to an area of the lung. The trapped alveolar air becomes absorbed into the bloodstream, but outside air cannot replace the absorbed air be-cause of the blockage. As a result, the isolated portion of the lung becomes airless, and the alveoli collapse.
