NCLEX RN Exam Prep Related

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Which statement by the client with chronic obstructive lung disease indicates an understanding of the major reason for the use of occasional pursed-lip breathing?

  • A. ''This action of my lips helps to keep my airway open.''
  • B. ''I can expel more air when I pucker up my lips to breathe out.''
  • C. ''My mouth doesn't get as dry when I breathe with pursed lips.''
  • D. ''By prolonging breathing out with pursed lips, the smaller areas in my lungs don't collapse.''
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have difficulty exhaling fully due to the weak alveolar walls from the disease process. Pursed-lip breathing helps prevent alveolar collapse by maintaining positive pressure in the airways during exhalation. This is the major reason for using pursed-lip breathing in individuals with chronic obstructive lung disease. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly address the main purpose of pursed-lip breathing, which is to prevent alveolar collapse and improve exhalation in these patients.