Question

The nurse should be alert for a complication of bronchiectasis that results from a combination of retained secretions and obstruction and that leads to the collapse of alveoli. What complication should the nurse monitor for?

a) Atelectasis
b) Pneumonia
c) Emphysema
d) Pleurisy

Answer 1

Atelectasis is the complication a nurse should monitor for in a patient with bronchiectasis, as it involves the collapse of alveoli due to retained secretions and obstruction, potentially leading to reduced oxygen absorption and increased infection risk. the correct answer is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The complication the nurse should monitor for in a patient with bronchiectasis, resulting from a combination of retained secretions and obstruction, is atelectasis. Atelectasis refers to the collapse of alveoli within the lungs and is a condition that can occur due to blockage of the air passages (bronchi) or by pressure from outside the lung. In patients with bronchiectasis, retained secretions can block the airways, preventing air from reaching the alveoli, which leads to atelectasis.

Early detection and management are critical as atelectasis may decrease the amount of oxygen that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and can become a life-threatening condition. A patient with bronchiectasis is at a higher risk of developing infections like pneumonia, which can further complicate the illness.