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Question #46335

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

A premature infant born at 28 weeks of gestation develops severe respiratory distress due to a deficiency of alveolar surfactant (lecithin). Which of the following physiological consequences is INCORRECT regarding this condition?

Options

  • A.

    High alveolar surface tension causes atelectasis, leading to a severe ventilation-perfusion mismatch.

  • B.

    Accumulation of CO2 in the blood lowers the pH, shifting the Oxygen-Hemoglobin dissociation curve to the right.

  • C.

    The rightward shift of the dissociation curve increases hemoglobin's affinity for O2, facilitating better oxygen loading in the lungs.

  • D.

    Peripheral chemoreceptors detect the hypercapnia and signal the respiratory rhythm centre to increase the ventilation rate.

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Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Regulatory_Failure

Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.

Concepts Behind This Question

Surfactant Function|Neural Regulation Feedback|Oxygen-Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize 'Right shift = Bohr effect = Good for tissue oxygenation' but fail to apply it to the pulmonary level.

The trap relies on the misconception that a compensatory right shift improves oxygen uptake.

In reality, decreased O2 affinity hinders loading at the alveoli, making Option C the incorrect statement.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectBiology
ChapterBreathing and Exchange of Gases - Class 11
ConceptSurfactant Function
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load5
Target Solve Time120 sec
AccessFree