NREMT Paramedic Practice

Pneumonia primarily affects which part of the respiratory system?

1. Upper airway

2. Bronchi

3. Alveoli

4. Trachea

The correct answer is: Alveoli

Pneumonia primarily affects the alveoli, which are the small air sacs located within the lungs where gas exchange occurs. In pneumonia, these alveoli become inflamed and fill with fluid or pus, leading to impaired oxygen exchange and the characteristic symptoms of the disease, such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. The inflammation disrupts the normal function of the alveoli, making it challenging for oxygen to diffuse into the blood, which can result in hypoxia. This condition illustrates how pneumonia specifically targets the respiratory portion responsible for the critical exchange of gases, emphasizing the importance of the alveolar structure in respiratory health and function.