Question

question 14 of 20
a nursing student understands that emphysema is directly related to which of the following?
hypoxemia secondary to impaired oxygen diffusion
hypercapnia resulting from decreased carbon dioxide tension
diminished alveolar surface area
respiratory acidosis from airway obstruction

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Hypoxemia in emphysema is due to ventilation - perfusion mismatch, not impaired oxygen diffusion, so the first option is incorrect.
• Hypercapnia in emphysema is from air trapping and reduced ventilation, not decreased carbon dioxide tension, so the second option is incorrect.
• Emphysema causes destruction of alveoli, which reduces the alveolar surface area for gas exchange. This is a direct consequence of emphysema.
• Emphysema is an obstructive - restrictive disease, but airway obstruction is more characteristic of conditions like asthma or chronic bronchitis, and respiratory acidosis in emphysema is not directly from airway obstruction in the same way as the alveolar surface area change.

Answer:

C. Diminished alveolar surface area