ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by pulmonary alveoli losing their elasticity and becoming permanently inflated?

1. Bronchial asthma

2. Bronchitis

3. Emphysema

4. TB

The correct answer is: Emphysema

Emphysema is characterized by the permanent enlargement of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, which lose their elasticity over time. This condition makes it difficult for the lungs to expel air completely, leading to air trapping and an overall reduction in respiratory efficiency. In emphysema, the walls of the alveoli are damaged, which hinders the exchange of gases and decreases the surface area available for this crucial process. This reduction in functionality can result in symptoms like shortness of breath and chronic cough, and it is often associated with long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke. Other conditions, such as bronchial asthma, bronchitis, and tuberculosis, have different underlying mechanisms and pathophysiological characteristics. Asthma involves reversible airway obstruction due to inflammation and bronchospasm. Chronic bronchitis is primarily marked by persistent cough and mucus production due to inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that affects the lungs and can result in lesions and scarring but does not specifically involve the loss of alveolar elasticity as seen in emphysema.