What breathing technique should a nurse recommend to a patient with emphysema who is experiencing shortness of breath?

Pursed lip breathing is a technique particularly beneficial for patients with emphysema or other obstructive lung diseases. This method involves inhaling through the nose and exhaling slowly through pursed lips, resembling blowing out a candle. The primary advantage of this technique is that it helps to prolong expiration, thereby facilitating the release of trapped air in the lungs. This, in turn, can decrease the work of breathing and improve oxygenation, which is crucial for individuals struggling with shortness of breath.

Moreover, pursed lip breathing can aid in reducing anxiety because it encourages a more controlled and deliberate way of breathing, which can be calming for patients facing respiratory distress. This technique also promotes better ventilation and can assist in preventing airway collapse during exhalation, making it a valuable recommendation for someone with emphysema.

In contrast to this technique, deep breathing too slowly may not effectively alleviate shortness of breath, holding breath for an extended time can lead to discomfort and worsen respiratory distress, and taking rapid shallow breaths typically exacerbates feelings of breathlessness rather than relieving them.