Adult Medical Surgical ATI Related

Review Adult Medical Surgical ATI related questions and content

When teaching a client postoperative breathing techniques with an incentive spirometer (IS), what should the nurse encourage the client to do to maintain sustained maximal inspiration?

  • A. Exhale forcefully into the tubing for 3 to 5 seconds.
  • B. Inspire deeply and slowly over 3 to 5 seconds.
  • C. Breathe into the spirometer using normal breath volumes.
  • D. Perform IS breathing exercises every 6 hours.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inspire deeply and slowly over 3 to 5 seconds. This technique is recommended for using an incentive spirometer (IS) to maintain sustained maximal inspiration. Slow, deep inhalation helps fully expand the lungs and improve lung function postoperatively.

A: Exhaling forcefully into the tubing is incorrect because the purpose of using an IS is to promote deep inhalation, not forceful exhalation.
C: Breathing into the spirometer using normal breath volumes is incorrect as it does not promote maximal inspiration and may not fully expand the lungs.
D: Performing IS breathing exercises every 6 hours is incorrect as regular, consistent practice throughout the day is recommended for optimal lung recovery.