If diffusion distance increases in tissues due to swelling, which statements are true?

If diffusion distance increases in tissues due to swelling, which statements are true?

• A. The local immune response in the tissue cells is compromised
• B. The nutritional supply to the cells will suffer
• C. The patient is prone to frequent infections
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

When swelling raises diffusion distance in tissue, the delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and immune mediators slows because diffusion becomes less efficient over a longer path. This means cells deeper in the tissue can become hypoxic and deprived of glucose and other nutrients, while immune components such as leukocytes, antibodies, and cytokines reach the site more slowly. With defenses slowed and metabolic stress increased, the tissue’s ability to fight off microbes and heal is reduced, making infections more likely. So the statements about compromised local immune response, reduced nutritional supply to cells, and greater infection risk are all true, which is why all of the above is the best answer.

When swelling raises diffusion distance in tissue, the delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and immune mediators slows because diffusion becomes less efficient over a longer path. This means cells deeper in the tissue can become hypoxic and deprived of glucose and other nutrients, while immune components such as leukocytes, antibodies, and cytokines reach the site more slowly. With defenses slowed and metabolic stress increased, the tissue’s ability to fight off microbes and heal is reduced, making infections more likely. So the statements about compromised local immune response, reduced nutritional supply to cells, and greater infection risk are all true, which is why all of the above is the best answer.