Question

The nurse is instructing a patient scheduled for abdominal surgery on the use of a flow metered incentive spirometer . Which instruction would the nurse include in the teaching plan?

Blow on the mouth piece of the device fast for 3 breaths, followed by slow for 3 more breaths.
Use the incentive spirometer once every morning.
Inhale slowly on the device to elevate and maintain the flow indicator.
Briskly inhale on the device making sure the flow indicator does not rise.

Answer 1

The nurse would instruct the patient to use the incentive spirometer by inhaling slowly on the device to elevate the flow indicator, maintaining it within a target range to help lung expansion. Regular use of the spirometer, often every 1 to 2 hours while awake, is key to recovery after abdominal surgery.

Step-by-step explanation:

When instructing a patient on the use of an incentive spirometer after abdominal surgery, the nurse includes specific steps to ensure proper technique and obtain the best results. The correct instruction involves the patient inhaling slowly on the device to elevate and maintain the flow indicator at a prescribed level. The patient should aim to keep the flow indicator within the target range to help lung expansion and prevent pulmonary complications, such as atelectasis.

Patients should use the incentive spirometer regularly, not just once in the morning; the recommended frequency is often every 1 to 2 hours while awake. This regular practice helps maintain and improve pulmonary function during recovery. The purpose of using the incentive spirometer is to encourage the patient to take deep breaths, which helps keep the lungs clear and reduces the risk of postoperative complications such as pneumonia.