Final answer:
A statement from a client indicating discomfort or difficulty during deep breathing exercises, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, requires follow-up. These exercises typically involve sitting upright, being in a quiet environment, and focusing on diaphragmatic or costal breathing.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse has been assisting a client with deep breathing exercises to achieve relaxation, it is important to monitor the effectiveness of the techniques and the client’s response to them. The techniques often recommended include sitting upright on a comfortable chair with feet grounded, being in a quiet environment, using a mantra such as “alert mind, calm body,” and allowing the mind to focus on pleasant thoughts such as nature or warmth of the body.
Control over breathing can have profound effects on stress reduction and is practiced in various disciplines, including swimming, yoga, and meditation. Conscious control of breathing, such as those mentioned, can be achieved through both active processes (diaphragmatic breathing) and more passive, quiet breathing (costal breathing), involving the diaphragm and external intercostals respectively.
However, a statement from the client that indicates discomfort, dizziness, or difficulty with the breathing exercises requires follow-up. If a client expresses that they are feeling short of breath, lightheaded, or experiencing chest pain during the exercises, these are signs that the exercises may not be performed correctly or that there may be an underlying health issue to address.