Question

The nurse is instructing the client with a pulmonary disorder on deep breathing. The client asks, "Why is it important to start by breathing through my nose, then exhaling through my mouth?"

Which appropriate response would the nurse give this client?

a) "Breathing through your nose first will warm, filter, and humidify the air you are breathing."
b) "Breathing through your nose first encourages you to sit up straighter to increase expansion of the lungs during inhalation."
c) "We are concerned about you developing a snoring habit, so we encourage nasal breathing first."
d) "If you breathe through the mouth first, you will swallow germs into your stomach."

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the client that breathing through the nose is important because it warms, filters, and humidifies the air, which is essential for protecting the respiratory system.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate response by the nurse would be "Breathing through your nose first will warm, filter, and humidify the air you are breathing." This is because nasal breathing is essential for ensuring that the air entering the lungs is optimally conditioned for the delicate tissues of the respiratory system. The nasal cavity, with its mucus and hairs, effectively traps particles, while the warming and humidifying function helps to prevent damage to the lungs and reduce the risk of infections.

The smaller diameter of the nasal passages compared to the mouth also contributes to a more regulated pressure during inhalation and exhalation, significantly aiding the process of oxygen extraction. Moreover, this process of filtering, warming, and humidifying the air is an important protective mechanism that decreases the chance of foreign objects and particulates causing harm further down the respiratory tract.

Answer 2

The nurse should inform the client that breathing through the nose is important because it warms, filters, and humidifies the air, which is essential for protecting the respiratory system.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate response by the nurse would be "Breathing through your nose first will warm, filter, and humidify the air you are breathing." This is because nasal breathing is essential for ensuring that the air entering the lungs is optimally conditioned for the delicate tissues of the respiratory system. The nasal cavity, with its mucus and hairs, effectively traps particles, while the warming and humidifying function helps to prevent damage to the lungs and reduce the risk of infections.

The smaller diameter of the nasal passages compared to the mouth also contributes to a more regulated pressure during inhalation and exhalation, significantly aiding the process of oxygen extraction. Moreover, this process of filtering, warming, and humidifying the air is an important protective mechanism that decreases the chance of foreign objects and particulates causing harm further down the respiratory tract.