NURS 4430 Chapter Notes - Chapter 23: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Tracheal Intubation, Chest Physiotherapy
Document Summary
Most common abnormality seen on a chest x-ray. Airless condition of alveoli caused by hypoventilation, obstruction to airways, (by excess secretions or mucus) or compression. Post op patients are at high risk because of immobility, and shallow, monotonous breathing patterns. This causes small airway closure and alveoli collapse. Can occur with anything that blocks airflow to the lungs. Affected portions of lung become airless and alveoli collapse: clinical manifestations: Development is usually insidious (slow progression with little evidence) Dyspnea, cough, sputum production, low grade fever. Respiratory distress, tachycardia, tachypnea, chest pain, cyanosis, hypoxia and anxiety may occur if a big portion of the lung is infected: assessment findings: Increased workload of breathing, hypoxemia, decreased breath sounds, crackles. May show patchy and consolidated areas: prevention: Turning from supine to sitting upright to promote ventilation and secretions from accumulating. Voluntary deep-breathing every 2 hours, incentive spirometry to increase lung expansion and to help the patient cough.
