What is the goal of using exogenous surfactant in patients?

• A. To treat ventricular tachycardia
• B. To reduce surface tension in the lungs
• C. To increase tidal volume
• D. To manage hypoxemia

Answer: (B)

The goal of using exogenous surfactant in patients is to reduce surface tension in the lungs. Surfactant is a substance that helps to lower the surface tension at the air-liquid interface within the alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs. By reducing surface tension, surfactant prevents alveolar collapse (atelectasis) and helps maintain alveolar stability, allowing for better gas exchange and overall improved lung function, especially in conditions like neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

While approaches like managing hypoxemia, increasing tidal volume, and treating ventricular tachycardia may be relevant in various clinical scenarios, they do not specifically relate to the primary mechanism or purpose of exogenous surfactant therapy. In particular, surfactant replacement therapy is most crucial in treating conditions where surfactant deficiency or dysfunction contributes to respiratory distress.