Question

After many years of cigarette smoking, a client is admitted to have a "mass" removed from the lung. When explaining the surgery and recovery, the physician notes that the client is likely to have a good amount of fibrosis develop at the surgical area. After the physician leaves the room, the client asks the nurse what was meant by "fibrosis" in the lung. The nurse bases the response on the fact that tissue repair can:

Answer 1

Fibrosis refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in the lungs, making them less pliable.

Step-by-step explanation:

Fibrosis refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue as a response to injury or damage. In the case of lung fibrosis, the tissue repair process causes the lungs to become less pliable or flexible. This can lead to a decrease in lung size and function, affecting the ability to breathe.

For example, smoking cigarettes can damage the lungs and lead to diseases such as emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis. Emphysema causes the destruction of lung tissue, while pulmonary fibrosis involves the growth of excessive fibrous tissue in the lungs. Both conditions can impair lung function and cause breathing difficulties.