7. A 30-year-old woman gives birth to a baby girl at only 29 weeks of gestation. Shortly following birth, the baby develops increasing difficulty with breathing and hypoxemia, and requires mechanical ventilation. The respiratory therapist notes that her airway resistance is normal but her compliance is lower than expected. Which of the following factors is likely responsible for respiratory failure in this case? A. Decreased alveolar macrophage activity B. Decreased alveolar surfactant concentration C. Increased airway mucus production D. Increased edema of the airway walls E. Increased airway smooth muscle contraction

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