Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test

What is the primary purpose of teaching patients diaphragmatic breathing?

1. Help clear the upper airways of secretions.

2. Increase the volume of inspiration.

3. Prevent respiratory infections.

4. Increase the volume of expiration.

The correct answer is: Increase the volume of expiration.

The primary purpose of teaching patients diaphragmatic breathing is to increase the volume of inspiration. This technique encourages patients to use their diaphragm more effectively, allowing for deeper and more efficient breathing. When patients engage in diaphragmatic breathing, they expand their lungs more fully, which can enhance oxygen intake and support overall respiratory function. By focusing on the diaphragm, patients can reduce reliance on chest breathing, which often engages the upper chest muscles and can lead to shallow breathing patterns. This method is particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions that affect lung function, as it can improve their breathing efficiency and promote better oxygenation. While increasing the volume of expiration is important in some contexts, the primary focus of diaphragmatic breathing is to strengthen the inhalation phase, thereby facilitating better overall respiratory mechanics. Other options like clearing upper airways or preventing respiratory infections are relevant but secondary benefits that do not directly relate to the main goal of teaching diaphragmatic breathing techniques.