Why does anesthesia or opioid use increase the risk of atelectasis?

Master the ATI Gas Exchange and Oxygenation Exam. Engage with interactive multiple-choice questions designed for comprehensive understanding. Prepare efficiently with detailed hints and explanations for every question. Ace your exam with confidence!

Anesthesia and opioid use can significantly impact the respiratory system, leading to an increased risk of atelectasis. The correct answer centers on the fact that these substances slow or suppress breathing. This suppression can lead to shallow breaths and reduced respiratory effort, which in turn diminishes the expansion of alveoli in the lungs.

When breathing becomes less effective, the natural mechanism for keeping the alveoli open is compromised, as adequate ventilation is necessary to maintain lung expansion. Shallow breathing reduces the airflow required to keep the smaller airways and alveoli from collapsing, making them more susceptible to atelectasis. This is especially pertinent after surgery or during situations where patients may be less capable of maintaining deep breathing, thus increasing the likelihood of lung complications such as atelectasis.

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