This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Pathology
Which of the following would most likely be observed in the lung during an autopsy of a 2-week-old infant who died of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome? 
Select and explain. 
A. Alveoli filled with neutrophils, B. Hyaline membranes and collapsed alveoli, C. Enlarged air space, D. Dense fibrosis of the alveolar walls
B: Hyaline membranes and collapsed alveoli
Answer: B: Hyaline membranes and collapsed alveoli 
Explanation: Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome is a disease of immaturity. The immature lung is not able to produce sufficient surfactant to prevent collapse of many alveoli. Severe diffuse damage to alveoli causes precipitation of protein (“hyaline membranes”) adjacent to many alveolar walls.
Abundant neutrophils (choice A) are seen in pneumonia.
Fibrosis (choice B) is a late, not early, feature of respiratory distress syndrome whereas the air spaces are collapsed, not enlarged (choice C), in this condition.