The nurse participating in a client care conference with other health team members is discussing the condition of a client with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The physician states that because of fluid in the alveoli, surfactant production is falling. The nurse understands that the consequence of insufficient surfactant is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Surfactant reduces surface tension within the alveoli, preventing their collapse and maintaining lung compliance. Insufficient surfactant leads to alveolar collapse (atelectasis) and decreased lung compliance, making it harder to breathe.

The Nurse Participating in a Client Care Conference with Other