Which nursing intervention helps prevent atelectasis in the postoperative patient?
DiagnosisA doctor's examination and plain chest X-ray may be all that is needed to diagnose atelectasis. However, other tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis or determine the type or severity of atelectasis. They include: Show
TreatmentTreatment of atelectasis depends on the cause. Mild atelectasis may go away without treatment. Sometimes, medications are used to loosen and thin mucus. If the condition is due to a blockage, surgery or other treatments may be needed. Chest physiotherapyTechniques that help you breathe deeply after surgery to re-expand collapsed lung tissue are very important. These techniques are best learned before surgery. They include:
SurgeryRemoval of airway obstructions may be done by suctioning mucus or by bronchoscopy. During bronchoscopy, the doctor gently guides a flexible tube down your throat to clear your airways. If a tumor is causing the atelectasis, treatment may involve removal or shrinkage of the tumor with surgery, with or without other cancer therapies (chemotherapy or radiation). Breathing treatmentsIn some cases, a breathing tube may be needed. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may be helpful in some people who are too weak to cough and have low oxygen levels (hypoxemia) after surgery. Preparing for your appointmentUnless you require emergency care, you're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a lung specialist (pulmonologist). Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment. What you can do
Questions to ask your doctor
Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment if you don't understand something or need more information. What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:
Sept. 05, 2018
RelatedAssociated ProceduresProducts & ServicesWhich interventions will help prevent atelectasis postoperatively?Prophylactic maneuvers for reducing the incidence and magnitude of postoperative atelectasis in high-risk patients should be encouraged. These techniques are deep-breathing exercises, coughing exercises, and incentive spirometry.
How can patient atelectasis be prevented?To prevent atelectasis: Encourage movement and deep breathing in anyone who is bedridden for long periods. Keep small objects out of the reach of young children. Maintain deep breathing after anesthesia.
What are the main causes of atelectasis in post operative patients?General anesthesia is a common cause of atelectasis. It changes your regular pattern of breathing and affects the exchange of lung gases, which can cause the air sacs (alveoli) to deflate. Nearly everyone who has major surgery develops some amount of atelectasis. It often occurs after heart bypass surgery.
What nursing interventions will help prevent the development of atelectasis and pneumonia in his remaining lung?Nursing Interventions: Teach patient how to use incentive spirometer, pain medication to support deep breathing, ambulate 3x/day, encourage patient to cough/deep breathe, monitor temperature, monitor WBC, monitor chest X-ray, assess lung sounds, assess respiratory depth.
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