Which finding is commonly associated with emphysema but not with congestive heart failure?

Prepare for the JBL Airway Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to help you excel. Get ready for the exam!

Pursed lip breathing is a breathing technique often observed in individuals with emphysema. This behavior develops as a compensatory mechanism to help manage the difficulty in breathing that characterizes this condition. It allows patients to exhale more slowly and effectively, which helps them reduce the trapped air in their lungs and enhances the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

In contrast, the other options listed are typically associated with congestive heart failure. For instance, abdominal distention can result from fluid buildup as a consequence of heart failure. Distended jugular veins reflect increased pressure in the venous system due to the heart's inability to pump effectively, which is characteristic of congestive heart failure. Lastly, pink, frothy sputum is often a sign of pulmonary edema associated with heart failure.

Thus, pursed lip breathing is specifically linked to emphysema and is used by patients to alleviate respiratory distress, setting it apart from the symptoms associated with congestive heart failure.

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