Which of the following disorders is most associated with restrictive lung pathology leading to atelectasis?

• A. Asthma
• B. Heart failure
• C. Pneumonia
• D. Fibrosis

Answer: (D)

Restrictive lung pathology is characterized by a reduced ability of the lungs to expand, leading to decreased lung volumes and impaired gas exchange. Among the options provided, fibrosis is most closely associated with this type of pathology.

Pulmonary fibrosis involves the thickening and stiffening of lung tissue due to the accumulation of fibrous connective tissue. This process results in a decrease in lung compliance, making it more difficult for the lungs to expand fully during inhalation. As a result, patients with fibrosis experience reduced total lung capacity and can develop atelectasis, which is the collapse or incomplete expansion of a portion of the lung. The rigid, fibrotic tissue does not allow for normal lung expansion and can lead to areas of the lung that are not ventilated properly, increasing the risk of atelectasis.

In contrast, the other conditions listed have different pathophysiological mechanisms. For example, asthma is primarily an obstructive airway disease characterized by bronchoconstriction, leading to increased resistance during expiration, rather than issues with lung expansion. Heart failure can lead to pulmonary congestion and potential atelectasis due to fluid accumulation but does not primarily cause restrictive lung failure. Pneumonia typically causes lung inflammation and consolidation, which may lead to atelectasis but