Final answer:
To perform pursed-lip breathing correctly, a client should be instructed not to puff their cheeks but to exhale gently through pursed lips, as if blowing through a straw. This technique aids in maintaining open alveoli, reducing respiratory rate, and improving lung function, particularly beneficial for individuals with pulmonary conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When instructing a client on how to perform pursed-lip breathing, it's important to include that they should not puff their cheeks upon exhalation. This technique involves exhaling through lips that are pursed, as if blowing through a straw, and is primarily designed to promote relaxation of the airways, reduce the respiratory rate, and keep the alveoli open longer during exhalation. This can be especially beneficial for patients with pulmonary conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), helping them to improve ventilation and reduce the work of breathing.
The process of exhaling involves the relaxation of the diaphragm, increasing the pressure inside the lungs, which in turn, forces air out. The surface tension in the alveoli plays a crucial role here, helping to expel air without the need for active muscle action. It is essential to use controlled breathing techniques, such as pursed-lip breathing, to manage and optimize this natural process for better lung function.