A patient who has a 30-pack-year history of smoking asks the nurse, "How does smoking really harm my lungs?" The nurse's response will be based on the effect of smoking on

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Smoking decreases ciliary action and the ability of the mucociliary clearance system to trap particles and move them out of the lung. The cough/gag reflexes, reflex bronchoconstriction, and filtration of air by the nasal hairs are not affected by smoking.

A Patient Who Has a 30-Pack-Year History of Smoking Asks