Infection controlQuestion 198 of 1700
Why are smokers more likely to get respiratory infections?
- Smoking makes the layers of the skin much thinner
- Smoking stops the white blood cells from working
- Smoking makes mucus clearing work less well
- Smoking dries the lining of the mouth and the lips
Show answer
Correct answer: Smoking makes mucus clearing work less well
Smoke makes the airway's cleaning system less effective, so germs stay in the lungs more easily.
Source: Nursing Assistant (Reuter), 4.3: Defenses Against Transmission of Infection
Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026