Final answer:
When purulent fluids accumulate in the lungs and the alveoli collapse, the patient is said to have signs of consolidation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When purulent fluids accumulate in the lungs and the alveoli collapse, the patient is said to have signs of consolidation. Consolidation refers to the process in which the alveoli in the lungs become filled with fluid and other materials, leading to the collapse of the alveoli. This condition often occurs as a result of pneumonia, a disease in which the alveoli become inflamed and filled with fluid.