CHAPTER 2 Respiratory System^97
of part of the airway will cause collapse distal to the area that is blocked. Obstruc-
tion can be from a mucous plug inside the airway, or a tumor or fluid within the
pleural space may be pressing on the airway from the outside. Postoperatively,
patients are at risk for atelectasis due to pain, immobility, medications for pain or
anesthesia, and lack of deep breathing.
PROGNOSIS
Prognosis depends on the cause and the size of the involved area.
HALLMARK SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) due to the lack of expansion of part of
the lung - Anxiety due to decrease in oxygenation
- Increased respiratory rate (tachypnea) in an attempt to increase available
oxygen - Heart rate above 100 beats per minute (tachycardia) as body tries to
increase available oxygen - Sweating (diaphoresis) as a result of increased work of respirations
- Cyanosis due to decreased oxygen level
- Hypoxemia due to lack of gas exchange in the affected area
- Decreased breath sounds due to lack of air movement in the area of
collapse - Accessory muscle use with respiration as the body tries to get more
oxygen
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- Shadows on chest x-ray indicate collapsed area of the lung. The airless
state in this area of the lung creates a more dense appearance on the
x-ray. - CT scan will show an area of atelectasis.