When a client has a lobectomy, what fills the space where the lobe was?
A. The remaining lobe or lobes over expand to fill the space
B. The lung space fills up with serous fluid
C. The space stays empty
D. The surgeon fills the space with gel
Correct Answer: A. The remaining lobe or lobes over expand to fill the space
Option A: The remaining lobe or lobes over expand slightly to fill the space previously occupied by the removed tissue. The diaphragm is carried higher on the operative side to further reduce the empty space.
Option C: The space can’t remain “empty” because truly empty would imply a vacuum, which would interfere with the intrathoracic pressure changes that allow breathing.
Option B: Serous fluid overproduction would compress the remaining lobes, diminish their function and possibly, cause a mediastinal shift.
Option D: The surgeon doesn’t use a gel to fill the space.