2-1
Section I. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
2-1. INTRODUCTION
a. The respiratory tract is the most common portal of entry and exit of microscopic disease agents. Many of these microorganisms leave the body of the infected person by means of droplets and by nose and throat secretions. Droplets are exhaled in coughing, sneezing, talking, or simply breathing. These droplets do not always fall to the ground immediately, but may remain suspended in the air for many hours and can be inhaled by a well person, who may then become infected. The infection may also be spread to a well individual who improperly handles secretions of the nose and throat of an infected person. Many respiratory diseases are infectious in nature and are easily spread.
b. Medical intervention and skilled nursing care are employed in treating respiratory infections. Skilled nursing care includes knowledge of the duration and stages of the disease, isolation procedures, infection control policies, comfort measures for the patient, therapeutic measures, and observation of signs, symptoms, and potential complications.
