How is chest expansion likely affected in a patient with atelectasis?

In a patient with atelectasis, chest expansion is likely to be decreased due to the partial or complete collapse of lung tissue. Atelectasis can result from various factors, such as airway obstruction, lack of deep breathing, or the presence of fluid in the pleural space. When lung tissue collapses, it results in reduced volume and compliance of the affected areas. This decreased lung volume leads to a diminished ability of the chest wall to expand fully during inhalation, thereby resulting in decreased overall chest expansion on the affected side or throughout the thoracic cavity.

This phenomenon can be assessed through physical examination techniques, such as palpating for symmetric expansion or observing chest movement during breathing. In normal respiratory function, both lungs should expand equally; however, when one lung is compromised, as seen in atelectasis, the symmetrical expansion becomes impaired, leading to a noticeable decrease. Understanding this relationship is crucial for perioperative nursing care, as recognizing decreased chest expansion can help in early intervention and management strategies to promote lung re-expansion and prevent further complications.