Question

A patient has chronic bronchitis. The nurse is teaching him breathing exercises. Which point should the

nurse include in her teaching?
A. Make inhalation longer than exhalation.
B. Exhale through an open mouth.
C. Use diaphragmatic breathing.
D. Use chest breathing.

Answer 1

The nurse should teach the patient with chronic bronchitis to use diaphragmatic breathing and nasal breathing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include in her teaching the use of diaphragmatic breathing for the patient with chronic bronchitis. Diaphragmatic breathing involves contracting the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle below the lungs, during inhalation, and allowing the diaphragm to relax during exhalation. This technique helps to increase lung capacity and improve oxygen exchange in the lungs, which can be beneficial for patients with chronic bronchitis.

Additionally, the nurse should emphasize nasal breathing rather than mouth breathing. Nasal breathing is generally considered superior because it helps to filter and humidify the air, which is particularly advantageous in cold and dry conditions. It also creates greater pressure in the lungs during exhalation, allowing for more efficient lung function.