Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) Medical Assisting ADE Practice Exam

Which term describes a collapsed lung?

Bronchitis Asthma Atelectasis COPD

Correct Answer:

Atelectasis

Explanation:

This question tests your understanding of terms used for lung tissue that has collapsed. Atelectasis is the medical term for the collapse of all or part of a lung, or of the tiny air sacs (alveoli), which leads to reduced or absent air exchange in that area. It can occur when an airway is blocked or when external pressure causes the lung to deflate. That makes it the best description for a collapsed lung. Bronchitis refers to inflammation of the bronchial tubes, causing coughing and mucus. Asthma is characterized by reversible narrowing of the airways with wheezing. COPD describes a chronic, progressive limitation of airflow. None of these describe a collapse of lung tissue the way atelectasis does.

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