Question

A nurse is caring for a client with copd. while reviewing breathing exercises, the nurse instructs the client to breathe in slowly through the nose, taking in a normal breath. then the nurse asks the client to pucker his lips as if preparing to whistle. finally, the client is told to exhale slowly and gently through the puckered lips. the nurse teaches the client this breathing exercise to accomplish which goals? select all that apply.

Answer 1

There are choices for this question namely:

a) Release trapped air in the lungs
b) Strengthen the diaphragm
c) Prevent collapse of the airways
d) Condition the inspiratory muscles
e) Control the rate and depth of respirations

There are multiple correct answers. The correct answers are:
(1) Release trapped air in the lungs
(2) Prevent collapse of the airways
(3) Control the rate and depth of respirations

The breathing technique that the nurse teaches the patient is called "pursed-lip breathing" wherein the patient inhales through the nose and exhales slowly through his puckered lips. This is done to release trapped air in the lungs (as COPD causes a ball valve like obstruction wherein there is difficulty exhaling rather than inhaling), prevent collapse of airways (therefore preventing an impending respiratory distress syndrome), and control the rate and depth of respirations (to prevent tachypnea or bradypnea that can result to respiratory alkalosis or acidosis respectively).