Question

An 85 year old male presents with complaints of a cough. On initial observation, a barrel chest deformity and pursed lip breathing is noted. The clinician is immediately suspicious of COPD, but also understands which of the following to be true?a. A barrel chest may be an illusion and increases the probability of COPD by less than 15%b. Pursed lip breathing is pathognomic (diagnostic) for COPDc. The absence of accessory muscle use always argues against the presence of COPDd. The finding of barrel chest has high specificity and, therefore, it’s presence is highly diagnostic for COPD

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is option B

Pursed lip breathing is pathognomic (diagnostic) for COPD

Explanation: Pursed lip breathing is a type of breathing technique that helps people living with asthma or COPD ( Chronic bronchitis and Emphysema) when they experience shortness of breath. It is done by inhaling deeply through the nose,hold the breath for as long as you count to 5 and then breathe out, or exhale, all of the air in your lungs through your mouth slowly and gently through pursed lips. Try to breathe out longer than your inhale.

Answer 2

The correct answer is b. Pursed lip breathing is pathognomic (diagnostic) for COPD

Step-by-step explanation:

The health practitioners usually use the sign of breathing through pursed lips upon inhalation and exhalation to detect chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, in patients.