While caring for a patient who has a 30-pack-year history of smoking,the nurse recognizes that the patient most likely has decreased respiratory defences due to which of the following conditions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Smoking damages the cilia and impairs their ability to remove mucus and debris from the respiratory tract, leading to impaired mucociliary clearance. This results in decreased respiratory defenses and increased risk of respiratory infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The impaired cough reflex, reflex bronchoconstriction, and ability to filter particulate matter from the air are also affected by smoking, but to a lesser degree compared to impaired mucociliary clearance.

While Caring for a Patient Who Has a 30-Pack-Year History