A person with severe respiratory problems may be put on a ventilator and have oxygen supplied through a tube in the trachea. The oxygen must be "bubbled" through water to replace one of the functions of the upper respiratory tract.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Oxygen must be humidified, or "bubbled" through water, in order to replace the function of the upper respiratory tract, which normally serves to warm and moisten incoming air. This helps to prevent damage to the delicate tissues of the lungs and airways.

A Person with Severe Respiratory Problems May Be Put on a Ventilator