Practice Question
Linda, a 45-year-old patient, is admitted for pneumonia. She has a productive cough. Which respiratory defense mechanism is primarily responsible for removing the pathogenic microorganisms?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Cough reflex
Rationale:
❖ The cough reflex is the most effective mechanism for expelling secretions and organisms from the airway during pneumonia
❖ It is triggered by irritation in the respiratory mucosa, stimulating reflex pathways that produce forceful exhalation to clear debris
❖ It works synergistically with the mucociliary escalator, ensuring that mucus moved upward can be forcefully expelled
❖ Maintaining an effective cough prevents airway obstruction, reduces risk of hypoxemia, and helps resolve infection more quickly
❖ Unlike filtration or bronchoconstriction, which are preventive mechanisms, the cough is an active clearing response, essential once infection and mucus accumulation occur
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This question is from RN Medical Surgical Midterm Form A which contains 82 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: General Exams
- Domain: Medical-surgical📚
- Answer Choices: 4