What does pursed-lip breathing involve?

• A. Breathing rapidly through the mouth
• B. Inhaling through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips
• C. Holding breath for long periods
• D. Breathing through mouth with no nose inhalation

Answer: (B)

Pursed-lip breathing is a controlled, slow-breath technique that aims to prolong exhalation and keep airways open. The defining action is inhaling through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips, with the exhale longer than the inhale. This creates a small amount of positive pressure in the airways, helping to prevent airway collapse, reduce air trapping, and ease the work of breathing—especially in obstructive conditions like COPD.

This is why the best description is inhaling through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips. Breathing rapidly through the mouth, holding the breath, or exhaling through the mouth without nose inhalation do not establish the same controlled, extended exhalation that maintains airway patency and reduces dyspnea.