Atelectasis refers to which of the following conditions?

Atelectasis specifically refers to the condition where part or all of a lung collapses, leading to reduced gas exchange and impaired oxygenation. This can occur due to several factors, such as the presence of an obstruction in the airways, inadequate ventilation, or a buildup of fluid in the pleural space. When the alveoli (the tiny air sacs in the lungs) collapse, they fill with fluid instead of air, resulting in impaired respiratory function.

The other options describe distinctly different medical conditions. Inflammation of mucous membranes pertains to conditions like rhinitis or sinusitis and does not relate to lung collapse. Stasis of peristalsis post-operatively involves the slowing or halting of bowel movements, which has no direct connection to lung function. Dehiscence of a wound refers to the reopening of a surgical incision, a surgical complication unrelated to lung conditions. Understanding these distinctions underscores the importance of targeting the respiratory implications associated with atelectasis.