Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What best describes the condition of emphysema?

1. Inflammation of the lungs

2. Collapse of bronchioles

3. Expanded alveoli

4. Narrowed airways

The correct answer is: Expanded alveoli

Emphysema is characterized by the destruction of the alveoli, which are the small air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange. In this condition, the walls of the alveoli become weakened and lose their elasticity. As a result, the alveoli can become enlarged or expanded, leading to difficulty in expelling air from the lungs. This expansion of the alveoli means that the lungs have a decreased surface area for gas exchange, which can significantly impair respiratory function. While inflammation of lung tissue, collapse of bronchioles, and narrowed airways can be associated with other respiratory conditions, they do not accurately capture the key feature of emphysema. In emphysema, the primary concern is the enlarged and damaged alveoli rather than the inflammation or collapse of air tubes. Understanding this allows for better diagnosis and treatment strategies specific to emphysema and its impact on respiratory health.