What is the correct sequence for performing incentive spirometry?

What is the correct sequence for performing incentive spirometry?

• A. Sit upright, seal lips, inhale deeply, hold 2-3 seconds, exhale slowly, repeat; cough at end
• B. Lie down, exhale, then inhale deeply
• C. Stand, take shallow breaths
• D. Breathe quickly without a seal

Answer: (A)

Incentive spirometry is used to prevent atelectasis by promoting deep, controlled lung inflation after surgery or anesthesia. The best sequence starts with sitting upright to maximize chest wall expansion. Place the lips firmly around the mouthpiece to create a tight seal so air goes into the lungs and not around the device. Inhale slowly and deeply to raise the indicator, then hold the breath for about 2 to 3 seconds to allow the air to distribute in the alveoli. Exhale slowly and normally, then repeat the cycle. Finish with a cough at the end to help mobilize secretions if needed. The other patterns don’t achieve the same lung expansion: lying down or standing may reduce diaphragmatic efficiency, shallow breaths don’t inflate the lungs fully, and breathing quickly without a seal won’t provide the resistance needed to open the airways and maximize inhaled volume.

Incentive spirometry is used to prevent atelectasis by promoting deep, controlled lung inflation after surgery or anesthesia. The best sequence starts with sitting upright to maximize chest wall expansion. Place the lips firmly around the mouthpiece to create a tight seal so air goes into the lungs and not around the device. Inhale slowly and deeply to raise the indicator, then hold the breath for about 2 to 3 seconds to allow the air to distribute in the alveoli. Exhale slowly and normally, then repeat the cycle. Finish with a cough at the end to help mobilize secretions if needed.

The other patterns don’t achieve the same lung expansion: lying down or standing may reduce diaphragmatic efficiency, shallow breaths don’t inflate the lungs fully, and breathing quickly without a seal won’t provide the resistance needed to open the airways and maximize inhaled volume.