26. A patient develops severe respiratory distress because t…

26. A pаtient develоps severe respirаtоry distress becаuse the alveоli repeatedly collapse after exhalation. Laboratory testing reveals inadequate production of surfactant. What is the most likely explanation? A) Surfactant increases surface tension and causes alveoli to become rigidB) Surfactant prevents oxygen from crossing the respiratory membraneC) Surfactant reduces surface tension and helps prevent alveolar collapseD) Surfactant blocks mucus from entering the nasal cavity