Immobility and atelectasis risk: which statement is true?

• A. Immobility decreases atelectasis risk.
• B. Immobility increases risk of atelectasis.
• C. Atelectasis is unrelated to mobility.
• D. Atelectasis only occurs with infection.

Answer: (B)

Immobility increases risk of atelectasis because when a person remains still, they tend to take shallow breaths and move less air in and out of the lungs. This reduced ventilation allows small airways to collapse and alveoli to deflate, especially in dependent parts of the lungs. Inactivity also weakens coughing and secretion clearance, so mucus can pool and block airways, promoting further collapse. Because of these factors, being immobile makes atelectasis more likely, even without infection. The other statements aren’t accurate: immobility does not lower risk, atelectasis relates to how well the lungs are ventilated rather than mobility being irrelevant, and it can occur without infection.