Atelectasis is the collapse or closure of part or all of the lung resulting in reduced gas exchange. It can be primary, due to prematurity or lung immaturity, or secondary due to obstruction from mucus, tumors, or surgery. Symptoms include rapid shallow breathing, cough, hypoxia, and fever. Diagnosis involves chest x-ray, sputum tests, and CT scans. Treatment focuses on positioning, suctioning mucus, oxygen therapy, and preventing infections. Nursing care manages breathing, airway clearance, gas exchange, and monitors for complications like infections.

1. PRESENTED BY,
MS.L.SOUNDARYA
M.SC.NURSING (PEDIATRICS)

2. DEFINITION

3. • IT is defined as the collapse or closure of the
lung resulting in reduced or absent gas
exchange. It may affect part or all of one
lung. (or)

4. • Atelectasis is the collapse or airless condition of
the lung with incomplete expansion.

5. Causes

6. 1. congenital/
primary Atelectasis-
preterm or LBW
baby.
-due to immaturity
of respiratory of
muscle, alveolar
ducts abnormality,
any pulmonary
disorders.

7. 2. Acquired or secondary
Atelectasis:
 bronchial obstruction due to
foreign body
 excessive secretions
Mucus plugs
Tumors
Enlargement of lymph
nodes or heart
 pleural effusion
Pneumothorax, tension cyst
prolonged anesthesia or
abdominal surgery.

10. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

11. PRIMARY SECONDARY
ALVEOLI FAILS TO EXPAND
# premature
-Because of immaturity of
diaphragm & other respiratory
muscles, hypermoblity of the
bones.
# due to sedation of the mother
before delivery or brain injury of
the newborn
# a mucus or meconium plug may
cause atelectasis
# neonates –lungs are not
expanded normally, the acidosis
becomes more severe, possibly
with pH values of below 7.o
ALVEOLI COLLAPSE After they
have once been expanded by
air.
# this may occur when the
infant or child has pulmonary
disease or has aspirated
mucus or a foreign body.

12. Clinical manifestations
• Rapid bronchial occlusion with a large
area of lung collapse causes;
• chest pain on the affected side,
• retractions,
• sudden onset of dyspnea, tachypnea,
• Cyanosis,
• Coughing,

13. • Rapid, shallow breathing
• Hypotension, tachycardia,
• fever, and shock may also occur.
• Irritation in the right middle and
right lower lobe bronchi may cause
-severe, hacking, nonproductive
cough.

14. DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION
History collection
Physical examination
Chest x-ray
CBP
CUA
sputum test c/s
AFB staining

15. CT-chest /CT-
abdomen
Bronchoscopy
Radiography
oximetry

19. COMPLICATIONS
• EMPHYSEMA
• BRAIN ABCESS
• FIBROSIS
• INFECTIONS

20. PROGNOSIS
• GOOD
• POOR MAY FOUND IN MASSIVE
BACTERIAL ATELECTASIS

21. NURSING MANGEMENT
• Early recognition of
atelectasis
• Semi fowlers
positioning should be
maintained.
• oxygen therapy

22. Suction and postural drainage
may be used to reduce the amount
of mucus in the respiratory tract.

23. • Increased humidity in the
environment can prevent the drying
of secretions and the formations of
bronchial plugs.
• Prevent secondary infections.
• Prevent respiratory distress.

24. NURSING DIAGNOSIS
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

25. 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);

26. • 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)

27. 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.