The Effectiveness of Applying Pursed Lips Breathing Technique on Increasing Oxygen Saturation in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients at the Emergency Department of TK II Pelamonia Hospital

Abstract

Pulmonary tuberculosis (pulmonary TB) is an infectious disease that remains a global health problem, including in Indonesia, which ranks second in the number of cases after India. One of the main symptoms of pulmonary TB is shortness of breath due to impaired lung ventilation, which leads to decreased oxygen saturation. Non-pharmacological efforts such as the Pursed Lips Breathing (PLB) technique have been proven to improve lung ventilation, reduce dyspnea, and increase oxygen saturation.This study used a case report design involving one pulmonary TB patient treated at the Emergency Department of Pelamonia Level II Hospital. The instruments used were a nursing observation sheet and a pulse oximeter. The intervention applied was the PLB breathing technique with a duration of 10 minutes, performed in 5–10 cycles, accompanied by an evaluation of vital signs and oxygen saturation. The results of the nursing care identified three main diagnoses: (1) ineffective airway clearance, (2) ineffective breathing pattern, and (3) acute pain. The implementation of PLB showed significant outcomes, including an increase in oxygen saturation from 85% to 93%, a decrease in respiratory rate from 28 breaths/minute to 24 breaths/minute, and a reduction in pain scale from 4 to 3. The patient also reported reduced shortness of breath and increased breathing comfort. The recommendation from this scientific paper is that PLB can be routinely performed in pulmonary TB patients as a non-pharmacological nursing intervention modification, since it can be taught to both patients and families for independent practice at home. In conclusion, the application of PLB is effective in improving oxygen saturation, enhancing patients’ breathing, and reducing pain levels.