Question

Which of the following statements about infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) is NOT correct?

Select one:

a. Atelectasis occurs in IRDS

b. IRDS is a parenchymal restrictive lung disorder

c. IRDS can occur in prematurely born babies

d. Surface tension in the alveoli is abnormally low in IRDS

e. Type II alveolar cells are not fully developed in IRDS

Answer 1

Surface tension in the alveoli is abnormally low in IRDS. (d)

   The surface tension in the alveoli of lungs are high in Infant respiratory distress syndrome. The insufficient surfactant in the alveoli increases the surface tension. As the surface tension increases, the re will be reduction in total area for gaseous exchange and alveolar capillary diffusion capacity. So there will be a development of hypoxia and hypercapnia in the lungs. So the surface tension in the alveoli is more in IRDS.