Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ACCS Practice Questions and Study Guide

During the fibrotic phase of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), patients typically experience significant pathological changes in lung tissue that result in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. This phase is characterized by ongoing inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) of the alveolar walls, leading to impaired gas exchange and decreased lung compliance. The formation of fibrotic tissue is a response to injury and contributes to the long-term complications of ARDS, often resulting in a chronic, restrictive lung disease.

In contrast to the correct answer, the other options discuss various lung function aspects that do not align with the conditions present in the fibrotic phase. For example, an increase in ventilation-perfusion matching is generally not seen; rather, patients often experience significant mismatching due to the scarring. Improved compliance of lung tissue is also contrary to what occurs during this phase, as fibrosis typically leads to stiffer lungs, not more compliant ones. Similarly, higher arterial oxygen levels are unlikely because the fibrotic changes hinder the effective exchange of gases, usually resulting in decreased oxygenation.