Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Test

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

1. Make inhalation longer than exhalation

2. Exhale through an open mouth

3. Use diaphragmatic breathing

4. Use chest breathing

The correct answer is: Use diaphragmatic breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing is the most effective method for a patient with chronic bronchitis because it utilizes the diaphragm to draw air into the lungs, leading to deeper and more controlled breathing. Option A is incorrect because both inhalation and exhalation should be equal in length for optimal breathing. Option B is also incorrect because breathing through an open mouth can cause irritation and dryness in the airways. Option D, chest breathing, is not recommended for chronic bronchitis patients as it involves shallow breathing and can increase the risk of respiratory complications.