Question

A nurse is teaching a client, who is 24hrs post abdominal surgery, how to use the incentive spirometer. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching?

1) Breathe in slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece
2) Hold the breath for 10 seconds after inhaling
3) Exhale forcefully into the mouthpiece
4) Use the spirometer every 2 hours

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client to breathe in slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece, hold the breath for 5-10 seconds, avoid forcefully exhaling, and use the spirometer every 1-2 hours while awake to improve lung function after abdominal surgery.

Step-by-step explanation:

Incentive Spirometer Use Instructions

A nurse teaching a client who is 24 hours post abdominal surgery should include the following instructions when it comes to using an incentive spirometer:

1. Breathe in slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece. This helps to fully expand the lungs.
2. Hold the breath for 5-10 seconds after inhaling. This maximizes the opportunity for good gas exchange.
3. Do not exhale forcefully into the mouthpiece. Exhalation should be passive and relaxed.
4. Use the spirometer every 1-2 hours while awake to help keep lungs clear and prevent pneumonia.

The incentive spirometer is a tool used to help patients take deep breaths to fully inflate the lungs and prevent complications such as pneumonia, especially after surgery when one's activity level is decreased. It is a key component of postoperative care for patients who have had abdominal or chest surgery. Regular use of the spirometer can help the client by increasing lung function and speeding recovery.