Which of the following statements accurately describes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a progressive form of acute respiratory failure where the alveolar-capillary membrane becomes damaged and more permeable to intravascular fluid.

ARDS is a chronic and slowly progressive form of respiratory failure.

ARDS is primarily caused by bacterial infections in the lungs.

ARDS occurs when the alveolar-capillary membrane becomes less permeable to intravascular fluid.