Postoperative atelectasis: which finding should nurse expect?

• A. Friction Rub
• B. Increasing dyspnea
• C. Decreasing RR
• D. Facial flushing

Answer: (B)

Postoperative atelectasis collapses sections of the lung, reducing ventilation and gas exchange. Because the body is trying to compensate for lowered oxygenation, the respiratory system ramps up its effort, leading to more noticeable shortness of breath. So an increasing dyspnea is the expected finding as the patient’s breathing becomes harder and more laborious.

Friction rub would point to pleural irritation rather than atelectasis, and a decreasing respiratory rate would not fit the typical distress signal seen with impaired ventilation—usually the rate goes up to meet body demands. Facial flushing isn’t a specific sign of atelectasis either.