Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by collapsed alveoli and decreased ventilation?

1. Atelactasis

2. Pneumonia

3. Bronchitis

4. Asthma

The correct answer is: Atelactasis

Atelactasis is characterized by the collapse of alveoli, leading to a significant reduction in lung volume and diminished gas exchange. When alveoli become collapsed, they can no longer effectively participate in the process of ventilation, resulting in decreased oxygenation of the blood and possible hypercapnia due to inadequate carbon dioxide elimination. This condition can occur due to various factors, such as obstruction of the air passages, lack of surfactant, or compression of lung tissue from outside the lung, which prevents the alveoli from fully expanding. In contrast, pneumonia involves the inflammation of lung tissue, typically due to infection that fills the alveoli with fluid or pus, but does not necessarily involve the collapse of alveoli. Bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often leading to increased mucus production, and can affect airflow rather than directly causing alveolar collapse. Asthma involves reactive airway disease with constriction of bronchi and increased mucus production, which, while causing airflow issues, does not specifically cause collapse of alveoli like atelactasis does. Thus, atelactasis is the most accurate answer that directly relates to the described condition of collapsed alveoli and decreased ventilation.