Lung question

[Oreo]

Here's some info I read from an ICU book:

"In normal situatons the dependent lung receive more ventilation and more blood flow than the nondependent lung; however, during mechanical ventilation the dependent portion of the lung receives less distribution of tidal vol than do the nondependent areas"

"IN unilateral lung disease, position pt with healthy lung down. In bilateral lung disease, position pt in right lateral decubitus position, inasmuch as the right lung has more surface area"

I am not understand it well. Could you help me?

Q1. "In normal situatons the dependent lung receive more ventilation and more blood flow than the nondependent lung" Why? As the dependent lung is being pressed, why it can get more ventilation?

Q2. "during mechanical ventilation the dependent portion of the lung receives less distribution of tidal vol than do the nondependent areas" Is it because the diseased lung is being pressed?

Q3. "In bilateral lung disease, position pt in right lateral decubitus position, inasmuch as the right lung has more surface area." How more surface area help?

I feel confused on it. Could you help me? Thank you.

[suzanne4, RN]

First, remember the anatomy of your lung. You have three lobes on the right and two lobes on your left, so in answer to your question 3: You have much greater surface area on the right side over the left.

If you go back and look at a picture of the lungs, diseased vs. healthy, you will be able to get your answer directly. Think in terms of looking at the picture to help you.

Let me know if you are still having a problem after doing this......... :balloons: