The process termed for removal of a lung?

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2017

Explanation

Pneumonectomy is the specific surgical term for the removal of an entire lung (either right or left).
This extensive procedure is indicated for conditions like centrally located lung cancer or when a lung is severely damaged by infection or trauma.
The goal is to remove all diseased tissue by taking out the whole organ.

Option A: Lobotomy is a neurosurgical procedure involving cutting connections in the brain's prefrontal cortex.
Option B: A segmentectomy removes only a specific bronchopulmonary segment, which is a subdivision of a lung lobe.
Option C: A wedge resection is the removal of a small, non-anatomical, wedge-shaped piece of lung tissue.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Terminology for surgical lung resection procedures as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the difference between thoracic surgeries is crucial for nurses to provide appropriate postoperative care, as interventions and potential complications vary significantly.
Post-pneumonectomy care requires specific knowledge about positioning (operative side down), avoiding chest tube suction, and monitoring for mediastinal shift, which are critical for patient safety and preventing cardiovascular collapse.
What if? If the patient had a lobectomy instead of a pneumonectomy, chest tubes would be connected to suction to help the remaining lobes re-expand and fill the space. Positioning would also be less restrictive, highlighting the importance of knowing the exact procedure performed.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'removal of a lung'. The question is asking for a specific medical term.
Analyze the options provided. Consider the prefixes and suffixes. 'Pneumo-' relates to the lungs, and '-ectomy' means surgical removal.
Define each term based on your medical terminology knowledge. Lobotomy (brain), Segmentectomy (segment of an organ), Wedge (small piece), Pneumonectomy (lung removal).
Compare these definitions to the question's requirement for the removal of the entire lung.
Select the option that precisely matches this definition, which is Pneumonectomy.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 2 p. 49-51

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 664-666

Practise the full NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.