Atelectasis (at-uh-LEK-tuh-sis) is a complete or partial collapse of the entire lung or area (lobe) of the lung.

1. Atelectasis
Mrs. Nibi R Benjamin
Asst. prof.

2. INTRODUCTION
• Atelectasis is of Greek origin and means lack of
stretch . It may be acute or chronic.

3. Definition
• Atelectasis is a is a collapse of the airways in the
lungs collapse occur from airway obstruction and
diminished alveolar distension.
• It is defined as the collapse or closure of the lungs
resulting in reduce or absent gas exchange . It may
affect part or all of the one lungs.
• It is also known as the closure or airless condition of
the lungs with incomplete expansion.

4. Causes
1. Congenital / primary atelectasis preterm/lbw baby.
Due to immaturity of respiratory of muscle alveolar ducts
abnormality and pulmonary disorders.
2. Acquired or secondary atelectasis :
Bronchial obstruction due to foreign body
Excessive secretions
Mucous plugs
Tumors
Enlargement of lymph nodesor heart
Pleural effusion.
Pneumothorax

5. TYPES
↓
TYPES
OBSTRUCTIVE
COLLAPSE
COMPRESSIVE CICATRICIAL ADHESIVE
COLLAPSE

7. Sign and symptoms.
• Fever
• Dyspnea
• Wheezing
• Cyanosis
• Sign of mediastinal shift to the affected side
• Elevation of the diaphragm of the involved hemothorax
• Diminished or absent breath sound on the atelectatic side
• Hypotension
• Shock
• Tachycardia
• Non productive cough

8. Diagnostic evaluation
• History taking
• Physical examination
• Chest x ray
• CBP
• CVP
• Sputum test
• AFB staining
• PET SCAN
• Bronchoscopy

9. Pattern of atelectasis
Entire
lungs
collapsed
Lobar
collapsed
Segmental
collapsed
Atypical
pattern of
collapsed

11. Treatment
• Treatment will depend on the cause of the atelectasis
• Antibiotics for pneumonia
• Chest physiotherapy
• Positive pressure breathing
• Incentive spirometer use
• Bronchoscopic aspiration

12. Complication
• Hypoxemia
• Respiratory failure
• Emphysema
• Infection
• Fibrosis

13. Nursing management
• Early recognition of atelectasis
• Semi fowlers positioning should be maintained.
• oxygen therapy.
Increased humidity in the environment can prevent the
drying of secretions and the formations of bronchial
plugs.
• Prevent secondary infections.
• Prevent respiratory distress.

14. Nursing management
• Ineffective breathing pattern related to:
• Hypoxia/inflammatory process
• Neuromuscular impairment.
• Pain
• Musculoskeletal impairment
• Tracheobronchial obstruction
• Perception or cognitive impairment
• Anxiety
• Decreased energy and fatigue
• Decreased lung expansion

15. • Ineffective airway clearance related to:
–stasis of secretions associated with decreased activity,
depressed ciliary function resulting from the effect of
anesthesia, and a weak cough effort
–increased secretions associated with irritation of the
respiratory tract (can result from inhalation anesthetics
and endotracheal intubation)

16. • Impaired gas exchange related to
ventilation/perfusion imbalances associated with
atelectasis/hypoventilation or ineffective clearance of
secretions.
• Fluid volume excess related to pulmonary interstitium
&alveoli as manifested by respiratory rate variation /by
auscultation / investigation (chest)

17. • Ineffective tissue perfusion r/t compromised blood
flow r/t respiratory distress syndrome cyanosis of
hands, feet, and around mouth.
• Ineffective thermoregulation r/t immature
compensation for changes in environmental
temperature.
• Imbalanced nutrition status less than body
requirements r/t poor feeding behavior
• Risk for impaired parent-infant attachment r/t
interruption of bonding process.