Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS) Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Mastering AMLS Certification!

In Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), one of the defining pathological changes is the breakdown of the alveolar-capillary membrane. This membrane is critical for gas exchange, as it separates the air in the alveoli from the blood in the capillaries. In ARDS, various injurious processes lead to increased permeability of this membrane, resulting in an influx of protein-rich fluid into the alveoli. This fluid accumulation impairs oxygenation and contributes to the characteristic hypoxemia seen in ARDS patients. Additionally, the breakdown of the membrane is associated with inflammation, leading to further complications such as impaired surfactant function and atelectasis. Understanding this pathological change is crucial for recognizing and managing the severity of ARDS effectively.