Absence of pulmonary surfactant in premature infant leads to: (A) Pulmonary edema, (B) Collapse of alveoli, (C) Elastic recoil of lungs, (D) All of the above
Answer is D. RDS occurs when there is not enough surfactant in the lungs. ... When there is not enough surfactant, the tiny alveoli collapse with each breath. As the alveoli collapse, damaged cells collect in the airways. They fuher affect breathing. Reference: GHAI Essential pediatrics, 8th edition