Which of the following describes a potential complication of excessive oxygen therapy?

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Oxygen toxicity is a critical concern when administering excessive oxygen therapy, particularly in settings where high concentrations of oxygen are used for prolonged periods. The lungs can become particularly susceptible to damage due to the high levels of reactive oxygen species generated when oxygen is present in excessive amounts. This can lead to inflammation, alveolar damage, and even pulmonary edema. The respiratory system has a limit to the amount of oxygen it can tolerate, and anything beyond that can result in significant damage to lung tissues, leading to complications such as adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or bronchopulmonary dysplasia in neonates.

Although carbon monoxide exposure can influence oxygen levels in the body, excessive oxygen therapy itself is not associated with increased carbon monoxide levels. Heart palpitations are generally not directly caused by oxygen therapy, and renal failure is not a typical complication associated with oxygen excess. Thus, while other options might suggest potential health concerns, they do not specifically relate to the direct ramifications of excessive oxygen therapy in the same way lung damage from oxygen toxicity does.

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