**Core Concept**
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition characterized by the rapid onset of widespread inflammation and injury to the lung tissue, leading to impaired gas exchange and hypoxemia. This condition often results from direct lung injury, such as pneumonia, or indirect lung injury, such as severe trauma or sepsis.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
ARDS is characterized by non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, which is caused by increased permeability of the alveolar-capillary membrane. This leads to the accumulation of fluid in the alveoli, impairing gas exchange and resulting in hypoxemia. The key pathophysiological features of ARDS include atelectasis, hyaline membrane formation, and the presence of diffuse alveolar damage.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Hypoxemia is a hallmark of ARDS, as the condition impairs gas exchange between the lungs and the bloodstream. This is a key feature of ARDS, making option A incorrect.
* **Option B:** Bilateral infiltrates on chest radiography are a common finding in ARDS, as the condition causes inflammation and fluid accumulation in the lungs. This is a characteristic feature of ARDS, making option B incorrect.
* **Option C:** Pulmonary hypertension is not typically seen in ARDS, as the condition primarily affects the lung parenchyma rather than the pulmonary vasculature. This makes option C the correct answer.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In ARDS, the Berlin definition is used to diagnose the condition, which includes the presence of acute onset of hypoxemia, bilateral opacities on chest radiography, and the absence of evidence for left atrial hypertension. This definition helps to differentiate ARDS from other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

**Correct Answer:** C. Pulmonary hypertension is not typically seen in ARDS.