A client who was a victim of a house fire is coughing.The nurse realizes that the purpose of the cough is to
A)improve oxygenation.
B)remove irritants from the nasal passages.
C)remove irritants from the trachea or bronchi.
D)close the glottis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The purpose of coughing is to remove irritants from the trachea or bronchi, such as smoke or debris from the house fire. Coughing helps to clear the airway and prevent further damage to the lungs. Improving oxygenation is important, but coughing is a means to that end rather than the purpose of coughing. Removing irritants from the nasal passages is a function of sneezing, not coughing. Closing the glottis is a protective reflex to prevent aspiration, but it is not the purpose of coughing.

A Client Who Was a Victim of a House Fire