Patient was educated regarding risk factors for atelectasis as follows: Chronic bronchitis and unresolved pulmonary infections These conditions present with increased mucus secretion and formation of mucus plugs in the airways blocking the airways. So, conduction of air is blocked and patients can develop collapsed portions in the lung. Patients with abdominal surgeries Patients who had abdominal surgeries and incisions on the abdominal wall tend to breathe shallow, secondary to pain at the surgical sites [...]

Patient was educated regarding risk factors for atelectasis as follows: Prolonged shallow breathing Deep breathing demands some voluntary effort in senior citizens. Due to lack of energy and generalized weakness, senior citizens tend to breathe shallow and prolonged periods of shallow breathing can result in atelectasis. Hospitalization and bedrest Usually, gravity during weight bearing and ambulation, normally provides some distension to the lungs. In patients with prolonged hospitalization and bedrest, this factor is compromised and [...]

Patient was educated on atelectasis as follows: Atelectasis is collapse of a lobe or portion a lung. Atelectasis is mostly secondary to blockage of the airways conducting air to the distal portions of the lung. When the airways are blocked, air does not pass through the airways to the distal alveoli in the lung. So, the parts of lung that are not receiving the ventilation remain collapsed. Reduced ventilation leads to reduced oxygen transport and [...]