CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by a collapsed lung?

1. Atelectasis

2. Pneumothorax

3. Emphysema

4. Bronchitis

The correct answer is: Atelectasis

The condition characterized by a collapsed lung is atelectasis. Atelectasis refers to the partial or complete collapse of a lung or a section (lobe) of a lung, leading to reduced gas exchange and potentially causing respiratory distress. The collapse occurs when the tiny air sacs (alveoli) within the lung fail to expand properly or become filled with fluid, generally resulting from factors such as obstruction of the airways, pressure on the lung from outside structures, or lack of surfactant. Understanding the other options gives context to why atelectasis is the correct answer. Pneumothorax, for example, involves air entering the pleural space, which can lead to the lung collapsing, but it is distinct from atelectasis since the underlying pathology involves air rather than airway obstruction or fluid accumulation. Emphysema is a chronic lung disease characterized by the destruction of alveoli and is not primarily defined by lung collapse. Bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, affects airway function and can lead to breathing difficulties, but it does not involve the physical collapse of lung tissue in the same manner as atelectasis.