Final answer:
Loss of surfactant production in patients with ARDS leads to loss of alveolar stability due to increased surface tension and risk of alveolar collapse, complicating the breathing process and gas exchange.
Step-by-step explanation:
The change in lung function that occurs as a result of loss of surfactant production in a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the loss of alveolar stability. Surfactant is essential for reducing surface tension inside the alveoli, which prevents alveolar collapse and aids in lung compliance during breathing. In conditions like ARDS, the reduction or absence of surfactant leads to increased surface tension, resulting in alveolar collapse, making it very difficult for the patient to inhale, this is similarly seen in new born infants with hyaline membrane disease. Consequently, the work of breathing is increased and gas exchange is impaired, leading to breathing difficulties.