Which statement best describes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
A) An obstructive airway disease characterized by reversible airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperreactivity, and inflammation
B) A pulmonary disease characterized by severe hypoxemia, decreased pulmonary compliance, and the presence of bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray imaging
C) A respiratory disorder involving an abnormal expression of a protein producing viscous mucus that lines the airways, pancreas, sweat ducts, and vas deferens
D) A pulmonary disorder characterized by atelectasis and increased pulmonary resistance as a result of a surfactant deficiency

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

ARDS is a condition that can result from either a direct or indirect pulmonary insult.It is defined as respiratory failure of acute onset characterized by severe hypoxemia that is refractory to treatment with supplemental oxygen,bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray imaging,and no evidence of heart failure,as well as decreased pulmonary compliance.This selection is the only option that accurately describes ARDS.

Which Statement Best Describes Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)