A client has tracheostomy inserted, what important protective mechanism is absent related to this condition?

Question

A client has tracheostomy inserted, what important protective mechanism is absent related to this condition?

Answer 1

The nose heats, filters and humidifies the air we breathe.  With a trach, you bypass these important features.

Answer 2

The Epiglotis?

Answer 3

I believe the answer is humidification. Ambient air that doesn't pass through the upper airway is not saturated to body temperature by the time it reaches the smaller airways therefor drying them and damaging them.

The comments left by crypto are also true if that is what you were looking for.

Answer 4

the airway is protected from aspiration of ingested material by brief closure of the larynx ...

the tracheostomy is an open portal to infection and possible aspiration if the cuff is improperly inflated ....