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Pursed-Lip Breathing for Panic — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

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HardPsychological & PsychiatricPursed-Lip Breathing for PanicSCE Palliative Medicine

A man with advanced COPD becomes tachypnoeic and panicked during exertional breathlessness. Oxygen saturation is unchanged from baseline and he can follow instructions. Which coached sequence is most appropriate?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Relax shoulders, inhale through the nose and exhale slowly through pursed lips

Pursed-lip breathing slows expiration and can help limit dynamic airway collapse and regain control during COPD-related breathlessness. It is coached with a relaxed posture, gentle inspiration and a longer, unforced expiration. Paper-bag rebreathing is unsafe where organic cardiorespiratory disease and hypoxaemia are possible.

Reference: Cambridge University Hospitals: Breathing techniques to ease breathlessness. https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/breathing-techniques-to-ease-breathlessness/