Physiological Integrity NCLEX RN Related

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The nurse is teaching a client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) how to do pursed-lip breathing. Evaluation of understanding is evident if the client performs which action?

  • A. Breathes in and then holds the breath for 30 seconds
  • B. Loosens the abdominal muscles while breathing out
  • C. Inhales with puckered lips and exhales with the mouth open wide
  • D. Breathes so that expiration is two to three times as long as inspiration
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: COPD is a disease state characterized by airflow obstruction. Prolonging expiration time reduces air trapping caused by airway narrowing that occurs in COPD. The client is not instructed to breathe in and hold the breath for 30 seconds; this action has no useful purpose for the client with COPD. Tightening (not loosening) the abdominal muscles aids in expelling air. Exhaling through pursed lips (not with the mouth wide open) increases the intraluminal pressure and prevents the airways from collapsing.