Final answer:
A nurse should assess for skin irritation on the ears, neck, and cheeks when nasal cannulae are in use. Air that is warmed and humidified in the nasal passages helps to prevent infection, decrease sensitivity, and prevent lung damage. The respiratory system order is nasal cavity, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.
Step-by-step explanation:
In addition to the nares, a nurse should assess for skin irritation in all of the areas contacted by the nasal cannulae because these are common points of friction and pressure. This means that the nurse should evaluate the ears, neck, and cheeks for any signs of irritation or skin breakdown. The cannula tubing that hooks over the ears, lies across the cheeks, and can apply pressure on the neck can cause discomfort or skin issues over time if not properly assessed and managed.
When air is warmed and humidified in the nasal passages, the answer is (d) all of the above; it not only helps to ward off infection, decrease sensitivity during breathing, but also prevent damage to the lungs. Speaking about the structure of the respiratory system, the sequence is as follows: nasal cavity, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli. The function of the conchae in the nasal cavity is to increase the surface area for warming and humidifying the air entering the nasal passages, and to help filter out particles.