Which of the following is a characteristic of the injury or exudative stage of ARDS that typically occurs 24 hours post-injury?

A. Increased lung compliance and increased oxygenation: In ARDS, lung compliance is decreased, and oxygenation is impaired, especially in the exudative phase. B. Normal lung compliance: Lung compliance becomes reduced due to alveolar damage and stiffening. C. Decreased capillary permeability and equal VQ matching: The opposite occurs-capillary permeability increases, leading to pulmonary edema and V/Q mismatch. D. Pulmonary edema and decreased oxygenation: The injury/exudative phase (within 24 hours) is marked by capillary leak, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and hypoxemia.