Meeting the therapeutic needs of the patient

 This is a period of relaxed breathing at a rate comfortable
for the patient.

 The patient should breathe in through their nose and out
through their nose or mouth until they are ready to
progress to the next stage.

(Bronchiectasis Toolbox 2018; Troughton 2015)

 This exercise aims to mobilise sputum in the lungs.
 The patient should breathe in deeply and slowly, through

the nose if possible, while trying not to rely on accessory
muscles. After holding the breath for two to three seconds,
they should breathe out gently while keeping their
shoulders and chest relaxed. This should be repeated up to
five times.

(Bronchiectasis Toolbox 2018; Troughton 2015)

 A huff is forceful exhalation of breath with an open throat.
 This technique (also known as forced expiration technique)

is used to shift sputum from the lower airways to the upper
airways so that it can be expelled through the mouth.
 The patient should use different lengths of inhalation in
order to move the sputum upwards:
A low-medium volume huff involves taking a small
breath in and then huffing. It is used to shift the sputum
upwards from the lower airways.
Once the sputum has moved higher up into the chest,
a high-volume huff is then used to move it to the mouth.
This involves taking a deep breath in and then huffing.

1. If the patient is lying on their back, they should bend
their knees (with permission from their surgeon) and rest
their feet on the bed.

2. If the patient has had surgery, the incision should be
supported with their hands or a small pillow.

3. The patient should breathe in deeply and cough firmly.
4. Clear any sputum into a tissue.
5. This should be repeated until the cough is unproductive,

however, if the patient has a large amount of sputum they
may need to take a break.

 (My Health Alberta 2019)

1. The patient should relax their neck and shoulder
muscles.

2. Breathe in through the nose for two seconds.
3. Exhale gently through pursed lips for four seconds.
4. Repeat as necessary.

(American Lung Association 2015)







1. The patient should sit up straight and place their hands
on their abdomen.

2. Alternatively, the patient can lie down if it is more
comfortable for them.

3. Take a slow, deep breath in through the nose, ensuring
the abdomen expands with the breath.

4. Exhale slowly and gently through pursed lips.
5. Repeat for 5 to 10 minutes.

1. The patient may begin to feel dizzy. If this occurs, stop the
exercise and observe their vital signs.

2. If sputum obstructs the airway, perform basic life support
and call for help.

3. The patient may experience pain during exercises from
surgery or their condition.

4. Critical care patients may deteriorate while sitting out of
bed due to the sensitive nature of their condition, or other
complications.

 In order to improve lung function and recovery, it is
important for the patient to perform breathing and
coughing exercises frequently.

 Patient education is imperative to ensure the exercises
are done accurately.