A patient is complaining of an inability to breathe nasally because of severe rhinitis. The nurse is aware that the nose plays what important role in breathing that is disrupted when the nasal passages are blocked?

Question

A) It decreases the number of pathogens inhaled.
B) Inspired air is warmed and humidified.
C) Carbon dioxide will not be inhaled.
D) It simulates surfactant release from the alveoli.

Answer 1

B
Feedback:
Air usually moves into the body through the nose and into the nasal cavity. The nasal hairs catch and filter foreign substances that may be present in the inhaled air. The air is warmed and humidified as it passes by blood vessels close to the surface of the epithelial lining in the nasal cavity. The epithelial lining contains goblet cells that produce mucus. This mucus traps dust, microorganisms, pollen, and any other foreign substances. The epithelial cells of the lining also contain cilia—microscopic, hair-like projections of the cell membrane—which are constantly moving and directing the mucus and any trapped substances down toward the throat (Figure 53.2). The action of the goblet cells and cilia is commonly called the mucociliary escalator. It does not affect carbon dioxide or pathogen inhalation and does not stimulate surfactant release.