Chapter 2 Care for the Surgical Patient: Why does a patient who smokes have an increased chance of pneumonia following surgery?

Question

Why does a patient who smokes have an increased chance of pneumonia following surgery?

Alex Meek · Accepted Answer

A patient who smokes has decreased lung capacity. This may cause mucus to get trapped in the lungs causing atelectasis and eventual pneumonia

Why does a patient who smokes have an increased chance of pneumonia following surgery?