The Effectiveness of Deep Breathing Exercises on Pulmonary Function
One of the first frameworks nursing students learn in school is the importance of assessing the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs). These three concepts are critical for survival, and alteration of any of these can result in death. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involves two conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema is characterized by the loss of lung elasticity and destruction of alveoli, which then leads to a decreased surface area for gas exchange to occur (Henry et al., 2016, p. 147). Chronic bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles and is caused by exposure to irritants (Henry et al., 2016). As a nurse who cares for patients with COPD, they are often the priority in the ward when experiencing dyspnea, because breathing is a basic and physiological need according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Shortness of breath can lead to impaired quality of life and is usually the reason that …show more content…
When comparing the experimental group who performed deep breathing exercises to the control group who did not perform deep breathing exercises, the patients in the experimental group had a significant elevation in FVC (mean effectiveness score of 23.80) and FEV (mean effectiveness score of 26.80). Refer to appendix for completed critiquing guideline. The hypotheses were supported, as the results showed the effectiveness of deep breathing exercises on pulmonary function (Mathew & D’silva, 2011). This study is relevant to guide my nursing practice as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is common on the acute medicine unit. The effectiveness of deep breathing exercises is strongly supported by research. Therefore, I have confidence that teaching deep breathing to my patients with COPD is an efficacious intervention that can improve function of the respiratory
One of the first frameworks nursing students learn in school is the importance of assessing the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs). These three concepts are critical for survival, and alteration of any of these can result in death. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involves two conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema is characterized by the loss of lung elasticity and destruction of alveoli, which then leads to a decreased surface area for gas exchange to occur (Henry et al., 2016, p. 147). Chronic bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles and is caused by exposure to irritants (Henry et al., 2016). As a nurse who cares for patients with COPD, they are often the priority in the ward when experiencing dyspnea, because breathing is a basic and physiological need according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Shortness of breath can lead to impaired quality of life and is usually the reason that …show more content…
When comparing the experimental group who performed deep breathing exercises to the control group who did not perform deep breathing exercises, the patients in the experimental group had a significant elevation in FVC (mean effectiveness score of 23.80) and FEV (mean effectiveness score of 26.80). Refer to appendix for completed critiquing guideline. The hypotheses were supported, as the results showed the effectiveness of deep breathing exercises on pulmonary function (Mathew & D’silva, 2011). This study is relevant to guide my nursing practice as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is common on the acute medicine unit. The effectiveness of deep breathing exercises is strongly supported by research. Therefore, I have confidence that teaching deep breathing to my patients with COPD is an efficacious intervention that can improve function of the respiratory