Which option best describes a management measure specifically for mucus plug–related atelectasis?

• A. Nebulized bronchodilators
• B. Antibiotics
• C. Oxygen therapy
• D. Bronchoscopy for mucus plug removal

Answer: (D)

Relieving airway obstruction from a mucus plug is what reverses mucus plug–related atelectasis. When the airway is blocked by a mucus plug, air cannot reach the distal alveoli, causing collapse. Removing the plug restores patency, allowing air to re-enter the affected bronchi and alveoli and enabling re-expansion.

Bronchoscopy for mucus plug removal directly addresses the obstruction by visualizing and extracting the plug, which can rapidly improve ventilation in the collapsed lung region. Other measures may support gas exchange or treat symptoms (for example, bronchodilators may ease wheeze, antibiotics address infection, and oxygen supports oxygenation), but they don’t physically remove the blockage.