Key result
Pursed-lip breathing with semi-Fowler positioning substantially lowers respiratory rate and normalizes oxygenation in heart failure.
Why the study?
Heart failure can cause pulmonary congestion and breathing pattern disturbances, prompting analysis of combined pursed-lip breathing exercise and semi-Fowler positioning to improve breathing patterns in affected patients.
Does combined pursed-lip breathing exercise and semi-Fowler positioning improve respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and dyspnea in patients with heart failure and breathing pattern disturbances?
Case Report (n=3)
No
Does combined pursed-lip breathing exercise and semi-Fowler positioning improve respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and dyspnea in patients with heart failure and breathing pattern disturbances?
In a 3-patient case report, combining semi-Fowler positioning (30–45°) with pursed-lip breathing exercises over three days was associated with reduced respiratory rates, 100% oxygen saturation, and improved subjective dyspnea in ICCU heart failure patients.
Background: Heart failure can cause pulmonary congestion and breathing pattern disturbances including an increased respiratory rate and dyspnea. Objective: To analyze the application of combined pursed-lip breathing exercise and semi-Fowler positioning to improve breathing patterns in patients with heart failure. Methods: This case report three patients in the Intensive Cardiac Care Unit of AWS Hospital, Samarinda. The intervention was provided for three days using a semi-Fowler position at 30–45° and 5–10 breathing repetitions per session. Respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and subjective responses were assessed before and 10–15 minutes after the intervention. Results: Respiratory rates decreased in all patients. By the end of the third day, respiratory rates were 22, 24, and 21 breaths per minute, while oxygen saturation reached 100%. All patients reported reduced dyspnea, a more comfortable chest sensation, and improved comfort. Conclusion: The combination of both interventions showed clinical improvement in breathing patterns and may be considered an independent nonpharmacological nursing intervention in cardiovascular intensive care.
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Fauzan et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Heart failure with ineffective breathing pattern (dyspnea and tachypnea) (n=3). Combined pursed-lip breathing exercise and semi-Fowler positioning was evaluated on Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation after 3 days of intervention. Combined pursed-lip breathing and semi-Fowler positioning reduced respiratory rates from 48, 47, and 36 to 22, 24, and 21 breaths/min and increased SpO2 to 100% over 3 days.
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