A newborn has alveolar collapse, decreased lung expansion, increased work of breathing, and severe gas-exchange abnormalities and the student asks the healthcare professional for an explanation of what is happening. What response by the professional is best?
A)A decrease in lung compliance from the trauma of a long childbirth process
B)A traumatic pneumothorax from a prolonged and difficult labor
C)Damage done to the alveoli from exposure to supplemental oxygen at birth
D)Lack of surfactant leading to increased alveolar surface tension and fluid collection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decrease in surface tension caused by surfactant is also responsible for keeping the alveoli free of fluid. In the absence of surfactant, the surface tension tends to attract fluid into the alveoli. If surfactant production is disrupted or surfactant is not produced in adequate quantities, then the alveolar surface tension increases, causing alveolar collapse, decreased lung expansion, increased work of breathing, and severe gas-exchange abnormalities. The decrease in surface tension caused by surfactant is also responsible for keeping the alveoli free of fluid. The newborn is most likely to be experiencing this condition. There is no information about the labor and delivery being long or traumatic or causing decreased compliance or a pneumothorax. There is also no information on the newborn receiving supplemental oxygen although for a short period of time, this would do no damage.

A Newborn Has Alveolar Collapse, Decreased Lung Expansion, Increased Work