What is a possible cause for tracheal deviation toward the right side with abnormal breath sounds on the right side?

Tracheal deviation toward the right side, combined with abnormal breath sounds on the right side, indicates a change in intrathoracic pressures or volume that can lead to a shift in the trachea and affect lung function. Pulmonary atelectasis, which refers to the partial or complete collapse of a lung or a portion of a lung, is a plausible cause of these symptoms.

When there is atelectasis in the right lung, the loss of volume can create a negative pressure on that side, resulting in the trachea deviating toward the affected lung. This deviation occurs because the mediastinum, including the trachea, may shift toward the side of lesser volume to maintain equilibrium. Abnormal breath sounds can also arise from the affected lung due to changes in airflow, as the collapsed area may not participate in normal ventilation, leading to a diminished or absent breath sound.

In summary, pulmonary atelectasis effectively explains the tracheal deviation toward the right side and the presence of abnormal breath sounds on the same side, as it contributes directly to the physiological changes observed in this clinical scenario.