Question

Oxygen dries up nasal passages. What needs to be in the O₂ tanks to prevent this?

1) Humidifier
2) Dehumidifier
3) Air purifier
4) Ventilator

Answer 1

To prevent nasal passage dryness from oxygen therapy, oxygen tanks should be equipped with a humidifier to add necessary moisture.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to prevent the drying of nasal passages from oxygen therapy, the O₂ tanks need to have a humidifier. The humidifier adds moisture to the oxygen before it is inhaled, ensuring the air is more similar to the natural, humidified air we breathe through our nasal passages. This is important because as the air passes through the nasal cavity, it gets warmed and humidified by the mucous membranes, which is essential to prevent damage to the lungs and reduce the sensitivity during breathing. Additionally, this humidification process is a protective mechanism that also helps ward off infection and prevents damage from cold, dry air.