Lung Expansion Therapy Quiz

Lung Expansion Therapy for Atelectasis

• Atelectasis is associated with postoperative or bedridden patients, occurring in two primary types: gas absorption and compression atelectasis
• Gas absorption atelectasis can occur due to complete interruption of ventilation or a significant shift in ventilation/perfusion
• Compression atelectasis is common in hospitalized patients, particularly after upper abdominal surgeries or due to diaphragm impairment
• Gas absorption atelectasis leads to the absorption of gas distal to an obstruction by the blood, causing partial collapse of non-ventilated alveoli
• Factors such as airway opening pressure, body surface pressure, alveolar pressure, and pleural pressure contribute to the pressure and pressure gradient in the lungs
• Lung expansion therapy aims to address atelectasis by considering transrespiratory pressure, transairway pressure, and transpulmonary pressure
• Atelectasis is a significant concern for patients breathing spontaneously without mechanical assistance
• Weakening or impairment of the diaphragm can contribute to compression atelectasis
• Gas absorption atelectasis is associated with a significant shift in ventilation/perfusion (V/Q)
• Compression atelectasis is common in hospitalized patients, particularly after upper abdominal surgeries
• Lung expansion therapy is important in managing atelectasis, particularly in postoperative or bedridden patients
• Gas absorption atelectasis can occur due to a complete interruption of ventilation to a section of the lung