Atelectasis physical examination

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sudarshana Datta, MD [2]

Overview

Patients with atelectasis usually have non specific signs on physical examination. Physical examination of patients with [disease name] is usually remarkable for [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].

OR

Common physical examination findings of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].

OR

The presence of [finding(s)] on physical examination is diagnostic of [disease name].

OR

The presence of [finding(s)] on physical examination is highly suggestive of [disease name].

Physical Examination

Vital Signs

• Hypotension
• Tachycardia
• Fever
• Tachypnea

Lung

• Diminished or absent breath sounds
• Constant wheezing
• Reduced chest wall expansion
• Mediastinal and cardiac displacement towards the affected side
• Elevation of the diaphragm
• Dullness to percussion over the involved area
• Decreased chest excursion of the involved hemithorax

Appearance of the Patient

• Patients with [disease name] usually appear [general appearance].

Neck

• Neck examination of patients with [disease name] is usually normal.

OR

• Jugular venous distension
• Carotid bruits may be auscultated unilaterally/bilaterally using the bell/diaphragm of the otoscope
• Lymphadenopathy (describe location, size, tenderness, mobility, and symmetry)
• Thyromegaly / thyroid nodules
• Hepatojugular reflux

Lungs

• Pulmonary examination of patients with [disease name] is usually normal.

OR

• Asymmetric chest expansion / Decreased chest expansion
• Lungs are hypo/hyperresonant
• Fine/coarse crackles upon auscultation of the lung bases/apices unilaterally/bilaterally
• Rhonchi
• Vesicular breath sounds / Distant breath sounds
• Expiratory/inspiratory wheezing with normal / delayed expiratory phase
• Wheezing may be present
• Egophony present/absent
• Bronchophony present/absent
• Normal/reduced tactile fremitus

Heart

• Cardiovascular examination of patients with atelectasis is usually normal.

Extremities

• Cyanosis (late sign)