Moderate

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is short of breath and has difficulty exhaling. Which instruction can help reduce air trapping?

Correct answer: B. Use pursed-lip breathing during exhalation

  • A. Breathe rapidly through the mouth
  • B. Use pursed-lip breathing during exhalation
  • C. Hold the breath after every inspiration
  • D. Lie flat and breathe shallowly

Explanation

Pursed-lip breathing creates slight back pressure during exhalation and helps keep narrowed airways open longer. Rapid breathing and breath holding can worsen air trapping, while lying flat may increase breathing difficulty.

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The respiratory system includes the air passages, lungs, pleura, alveoli and the mechanics of breathing. It explains pulmonary ventilation, gas exchange, oxygen and carbon dioxide transport, regulation of breathing, and the difference between external respiration in the lungs and internal respiration in body tissues.

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