Pursed lip breathing assist in?

Appeared in: PGIMER NO - 2020

Explanation

Pursed-lip breathing is a technique that involves slow, controlled exhalation against resistance.
This action creates positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), which acts as a splint to keep small airways from collapsing during exhalation.
Preventing airway collapse allows for more complete emptying of the lungs, which facilitates the removal of trapped, stale air that is high in carbon dioxide (CO2).
By improving the efficiency of exhalation and reducing air trapping, the primary benefit is an increased elimination of CO2.

Option A: This is the primary goal of diaphragmatic (or 'belly') breathing, not pursed-lip breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing focuses on strengthening the diaphragm muscle for more efficient breathing.
Option B: This term is too vague. While the technique improves breathing efficiency, its specific physiological goal is not to increase muscle 'power' but to improve gas exchange by overcoming airway collapse.
Option D: This is a secondary benefit. By clearing out more CO2-rich air, more space is created in the lungs for the next inhalation of fresh, oxygen-rich air. However, the primary action and immediate goal of the technique is to improve exhalation and CO2 removal.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Physiological mechanism and purpose of pursed-lip breathing as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Pursed-lip breathing is a cornerstone of patient education for managing dyspnea in COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.
Nurses must teach patients to use this technique during activities that cause shortness of breath (e.g., walking, climbing stairs) to improve activity tolerance and reduce anxiety.
What if? If a patient with COPD is using accessory muscles and has a rapid, shallow breathing pattern, teaching pursed-lip breathing can help them gain control, slow their respiratory rate, and improve gas exchange, potentially preventing further respiratory distress.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question, which is 'Pursed lip breathing'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of common respiratory interventions.
Recall the primary physiological purpose of this specific breathing technique.
Analyze the options to see which one describes this primary purpose.
Differentiate it from other breathing exercises. For example, 'expansion of diaphragm' relates to diaphragmatic breathing.
Eliminate options that describe secondary benefits (like increased oxygen inhalation) or are too vague ('increases breathing power') in favor of the primary mechanism of action.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 5 p. 8-10

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 724-726

Practise the full PGIMER NO - 2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.