Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What causes a lack of surfactant in the lungs?

1. Pneumonia

2. Atelactasis

3. Chronic bronchitis

4. Emphysema

The correct answer is: Atelactasis

A lack of surfactant in the lungs is primarily associated with conditions that compromise the integrity or function of the alveoli, particularly when the alveoli collapse or are unable to expand adequately during breathing. Atelectasis, which refers to the collapse or closure of a lung resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange, can lead to surfactant deficiency because the remaining air pockets in the alveoli may not produce enough surfactant to maintain surface tension. Surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse and aiding in lung expansion. When atelectasis occurs, the affected lung tissue might become less functional and not produce sufficient surfactant. In contrast, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema can disrupt lung function and gas exchange but involve different pathophysiological mechanisms. These conditions may cause inflammation, mucus production, or alveolar damage, but they do not specifically lead to a decrease in surfactant production as directly as atelectasis does.