Pursed lip breathing instructions typically involve which of the following?

• A. Inhale quickly exhale rapidly
• B. Inhale fully (about 2 seconds) and exhale slowly, taking twice as long to exhale
• C. Hold breath for several seconds between inhalation and exhalation
• D. Exhale through the nose with pursed lips but no deliberate timing

Answer: (B)

Pursed-lip breathing aims to slow and regulate breathing while keeping the airways open by creating a little resistance at the lips and extending the exhale. The technique works best when you inhale calmly and fully, then exhale slowly through pursed lips, with the exhalation lasting about twice as long as the inhalation. This slower, longer exhale helps prevent airway collapse, reduces the work of breathing, and can lessen the sense of breathlessness.

That matches the described pattern: a full inhale of about 2 seconds followed by a slow exhale that is twice as long. Inhaling quickly and exhaling rapidly doesn’t create the defensive airway pressure that pursed-lip breathing provides. Holding the breath between inhalation and exhalation disrupts the rhythm and can worsen CO2 retention. Exhaling through the nose with no deliberate timing ignores the purpose of the pursed-lip technique, which is to control and prolong the exhale.