Question

"In which order do the pathophysiologic changes leading to clinical manifestations of acute respiratory distress syndrome occur?

A. Acute injury to the alveolar-capillary membrane
B. Damage to type II alveolar cells
C. Decreased surfactant production
D. Decreased alveolar compliance and recoil
E. Atelectasis"

Answer 1

The sequence of pathophysiologic changes leading to ARDS starts with acute injury to the alveolar-capillary membrane, followed by damage to type II alveolar cells, decreased surfactant production, decreased alveolar compliance, and finally atelectasis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pathophysiologic changes leading to the clinical manifestations of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occur in a sequence, beginning with an acute injury to the alveolar-capillary membrane. This injury leads to a cascade of subsequent changes, which include:

1. Damage to type II alveolar cells
2. Decreased surfactant production
3. Decreased alveolar compliance and recoil
4. Atelectasis

ARDS is a serious respiratory condition marked by rapid onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs. Infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS), a specific form of RDS, is often seen in prematurely born infants who lack sufficient pulmonary surfactant. This deficit leads to poor lung inflation and difficulties in gas exchange, resulting in low blood oxygen levels and other complications.