You have a significant reduction in the amount of pulmonary surfactant. What is the likely effect?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A significant reduction in pulmonary surfactant decreases the lungs' compliance, making them more difficult to inflate. Surfactant reduces surface tension within the alveoli, preventing their collapse and making breathing easier. Without sufficient surfactant, the work of breathing increases, and the lungs become harder to inflate, but it does not directly affect gas exchange, bronchiole constriction, COPD risk, or infection risk in the context provided.

You Have a Significant Reduction in the Amount of Pulmonary