Infection controlQuestion 197 of 1700
What do cilia in the upper respiratory tract do?
- Make the mucus thicker so that it traps more germs
- Kill all of the bacteria with strong chemicals
- Warm the air that is breathed in through the nose
- Sweep mucus and trapped dust up and out of the airway
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Correct answer: Sweep mucus and trapped dust up and out of the airway
Cilia are tiny hairs that move mucus and trapped debris up and out, away from the lungs.
Source: Nursing Assistant (Reuter), 4.3: Defenses Against Transmission of Infection
Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026