Which statement about incentive spirometry usage is true?

Which statement about incentive spirometry usage is true?

• A. Used for all postoperative patients
• B. Should be used only after discharge
• C. Used for patients at risk for atelectasis or pneumonia
• D. It has no role in postoperative care

Answer: (C)

Incentive spirometry is a lung-expansion technique used after surgery to prevent pulmonary complications. It helps stop atelectasis and pneumonia by encouraging slow, deep breaths that reopen collapsed airways and improve overall ventilation. It’s particularly appropriate for patients at risk for respiratory complications—such as those undergoing thoracic or upper abdominal procedures or with other risk factors—so this statement is the best choice. It’s a routine part of postoperative care, started soon after surgery and used during waking hours, not something reserved only for after discharge or applied to every postoperative patient. By guiding breath depth and encouraging repeated practice, it helps maintain lung inflation during recovery.

Incentive spirometry is a lung-expansion technique used after surgery to prevent pulmonary complications. It helps stop atelectasis and pneumonia by encouraging slow, deep breaths that reopen collapsed airways and improve overall ventilation. It’s particularly appropriate for patients at risk for respiratory complications—such as those undergoing thoracic or upper abdominal procedures or with other risk factors—so this statement is the best choice. It’s a routine part of postoperative care, started soon after surgery and used during waking hours, not something reserved only for after discharge or applied to every postoperative patient. By guiding breath depth and encouraging repeated practice, it helps maintain lung inflation during recovery.