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Multiple Choice
To best prevent emphysema, a patient is instructed to stop smoking since cigarette smoke:
A
increases the production of surfactant in the lungs
B
enhances the efficiency of cellular respiration in lung cells
C
stimulates the growth of new healthy lung tissue
D
damages the alveolar walls, reducing surface area for gas exchange
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the function of alveoli in the lungs: Alveoli are tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into the blood, and carbon dioxide from the blood diffuses out to be exhaled. The structure and surface area of alveoli are critical for efficient gas exchange.
Learn about emphysema: Emphysema is a chronic lung condition where the alveolar walls are damaged, leading to reduced surface area for gas exchange. This results in difficulty breathing and decreased oxygen supply to the body.
Recognize the impact of cigarette smoke: Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that cause inflammation and damage to the alveolar walls. Over time, this leads to the destruction of lung tissue and loss of elasticity, impairing lung function.
Understand why stopping smoking is recommended: By quitting smoking, the patient can prevent further damage to the alveolar walls, reduce inflammation, and slow the progression of emphysema. This helps preserve the remaining lung function and surface area for gas exchange.
Clarify why the other options are incorrect: Cigarette smoke does not increase surfactant production, enhance cellular respiration efficiency, or stimulate the growth of new healthy lung tissue. Instead, it directly damages the alveolar walls, which is the primary cause of reduced gas exchange in emphysema.