atelectasis

• What is atelectasis?

  Post-op complication presenting within 72 hours
• What causes respiratory difficulty in atelectasis?

  Basal alveolar collapse due to airway obstruction
• What are the features of atelectasis?

  Dyspnoea, tachycardia, hypoxaemia
• Who is atelectasis most common in?

  Smokers and patients undergoing abdominal procedures
• What investigations are used for atelectasis?

  CXR (chest X-ray)
• What findings are seen on a CXR for atelectasis?

  Opacity of involved segment and mediastinal shift
• What is a management strategy for atelectasis?

  Chest physiotherapy
• What are the key features and management of atelectasis?

  • Features:
  • Dyspnoea
  • Tachycardia
  • Hypoxaemia
  • Management:
  • Chest physiotherapy