Question

During which phase of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) does atelectasis occur due to decreased synthesis of surfactant and inactivation of existing surfactant?

A. Injury
B. Fibrotic
C. Proliferative
D. Refractory hypoxemic

Answer 1

Atelectasis during acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurs in the injury phase, where there is decreased synthesis of surfactant along with inactivation of existing surfactant, leading to alveolar collapse.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the injury phase of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), atelectasis occurs due to decreased synthesis of surfactant and inactivation of existing surfactant. In this early phase of ARDS, there is significant damage to the alveolar-capillary membrane, leading to increased permeability, influx of protein-rich fluid into the alveoli, and a subsequent reduction in surfactant production. The lack of sufficient surfactant causes the alveoli to collapse, which is a characteristic of the injury phase of ARDS. This phenomenon not only occurs in ARDS but also in infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS), primarily affecting infants born prematurely due to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant.