What is the primary pathophysiologic consequence of surfactant deficiency in RDS?

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Study for the Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care Test. Prepare with interactive questions, hints, and explanations to boost your confidence and ace the exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the primary pathophysiologic consequence of surfactant deficiency in RDS?

Explanation:
Surfactant lowers surface tension at the air–liquid interface in the alveoli, which keeps them open during expiration and makes inflation easier. When surfactant is deficient, surface tension remains high, so alveoli tend to collapse at end expiration (atelectasis). This collapse reduces lung compliance and functional residual capacity, increasing the work of breathing and causing hypoxemia from uneven ventilation. Therefore, the primary consequence is increased surface tension leading to alveolar collapse.

Surfactant lowers surface tension at the air–liquid interface in the alveoli, which keeps them open during expiration and makes inflation easier. When surfactant is deficient, surface tension remains high, so alveoli tend to collapse at end expiration (atelectasis). This collapse reduces lung compliance and functional residual capacity, increasing the work of breathing and causing hypoxemia from uneven ventilation. Therefore, the primary consequence is increased surface tension leading to alveolar collapse.

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