Nursing Care with Diaphragmatic Breathing Relaxation and Balloon Blowing Intervention to Improve Oxygen Saturation in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) can impair lung function, resulting in ineffective breathing patterns, impaired gas exchange, and hypoxemia. Complementary nursing interventions, such as diaphragmatic breathing relaxation and balloon blowing exercises, may improve oxygenation. This case study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Case Presentation: Two patients with pulmonary tuberculosis admitted to the Arofah Ward of Muhammadiyah Lamongan Hospital experienced shortness of breath, fatigue, and low oxygen saturation (91% and 92%). Nursing assessments identified ineffective breathing patterns and impaired gas exchange. Arterial blood gas analysis showed mild hypoxemia (PaO₂ 78–80 mmHg) with respiratory alkalosis due to compensatory hyperventilation.

Nursing Intervention: Patients received respiratory monitoring, oxygen therapy, and diaphragmatic breathing relaxation combined with balloon blowing exercises twice daily for three consecutive days in the semi-Fowler position.

Conclusion: Oxygen saturation improved from 91% to 96% in the first patient and from 92% to 97% in the second patient. Both patients also reported reduced dyspnea and greater breathing comfort. These findings suggest that diaphragmatic breathing relaxation combined with balloon blowing is a simple, safe, and cost-effective complementary nursing intervention that can improve oxygenation and respiratory function in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Further studies with larger samples are recommended to confirm these findings