Pulmonary collapse occurs within the first 48 hours post-operatively. The patient is dyspnoeic with a rapid pulse and pyrexia. There may be cyanosis. Coughing is painful and unless encouraged the patient may fail to expectorate. The sputum is at first frothy and clear, but later may become purulent.
Examination reveals that the patient is distressed with a characteristic painful fruity cough, resulting from the sound of bronchial secretions rattling within the chest.
Chest movements are diminished, particularly on the affected side; there is basal dullness and air entry is reduced with crepitations.
Chest radiology may reveal opacity of the involved segment and may show mediastinal shift to the affected side.
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