RN Exam Practice
Basic Care and ComfortQuestion 112 of 2368

Which statement by a client with COPD shows correct understanding of pursed-lip breathing?

  1. "I will breathe in quickly through my mouth and exhale forcefully."
  2. "I will breathe in through my nose and breathe out slowly through pursed lips."
  3. "I will hold my breath for as long as possible after each breath."
  4. "I will breathe in through pursed lips and exhale through my nose."
Show answer

Correct answer: "I will breathe in through my nose and breathe out slowly through pursed lips."

Inhaling through the nose and exhaling slowly through pursed lips keeps the airways open longer and reduces air trapping.

Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Oxygenation: PURSED-LIP BREATHING. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Basic Care and Comfort"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026