Question

During tracheotomy (a tube is inserted directly into the trachea), colder and drier air than normal enters the lungs which can cause lung crusting and infection. The primary cause for this is:

• A. Air enters the respiratory system too rapidly to be filtered.
• B. Air is not properly humidified by the larynx.
• C. Air does not flow through the nasal passageways.
• D. Air does not flow past the mouth and tongue.
• E. None of the above.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Air does not flow through the nasal passageways.

• In a tracheotomy, the tube is inserted through a cut in the neck below the vocal cords this allows air to enter the lungs.
• Breathing is then done through the tube, bypassing the mouth, nose, and throat. Air from your nose and mouth passes down through your throat to the larynx and into the trachea.
• The trachea is the big air tube leading to the lungs. When you breathe out, air leaves your lungs through this tube. Hence, During tracheotomy (a tube inserted directly into the trachea), colder and drier air enters the lungs than normal which can cause lung crusting and infection. The primary cause for this is air does not flow through the nasal passageways.

So, the correct answer is 'Air does not flow through the nasal passageways'.