Atelectasis Pathochart

This nursing cheatsheet will help you learn about atelectasis, a condition marked by the collapse of a lung or lung lobe due to alveoli deflation. It's often seen after surgery, commonly due to shallow breathing and excessive pulmonary secretions. During assessment, key indicators include diminished breath sounds on the affected side, chest pain during breathing, fever, and a chest X-ray showing collapse. Therapeutic management strategies include Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) to loosen secretions, Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB) and Incentive Spirometer (IS) use for deep breathing exercises to reinflate the alveoli, position changes to mobilize secretions, and invasive mechanical ventilation if necessary. Key nursing concepts focus on oxygenation and gas exchange. Patient education is crucial, particularly on using the incentive spirometer and the importance of turning, coughing, and deep breathing​​​​​​​​​​.