Final answer:
Atelectasis is a collapsed lung section visible on a CXR with symptoms such as shortness of breath and cough. Treatment often includes breathing exercises and addressing underlying causes. Persistent symptoms, as in John's case, may indicate pneumonia, treated with antibiotics and potentially requiring hospitalization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atelectasis is a condition characterized by the partial or complete collapse of a lung or a section (lobe) of a lung. When the alveoli within the lung become deflated, it leads to a reduced ability for oxygen exchange. On a chest radiograph (CXR), atelectasis may present as an area with increased density.
Signs and symptoms (S&S) of atelectasis include shortness of breath, cough, and sometimes chest pain. The treatment (tx) for atelectasis typically involves addressing the underlying cause, such as mucus plugging, and may include chest physiotherapy, breathing exercises, and in some cases, surgery to remove obstructions.
John's case as mentioned, with the presence of consolidation on CXR and gram-negative rod in sputum cultures, suggests a lung infection likely pneumonia. Antibiotics like clarithromycin are commonly used for bacterial pneumonia, and further investigation for underlying viral infections is done using rapid influenza diagnostic tests. Persistent deterioration in John's condition necessitated hospital admission for more intensive care.