Saunders Respiratory Practice

When providing instructions about using an incentive spirometer, what statement indicates the client needs further teaching?

1. "I will use it every hour while awake."

2. "I should exhale completely before inhaling."

3. "I will hold my breath for 10 seconds after maximal inspiration."

4. "I need to keep the gauge in the green zone."

The correct answer is: "I will hold my breath for 10 seconds after maximal inspiration."

The statement regarding holding the breath for 10 seconds after maximal inspiration suggests a misunderstanding of the purpose and technique of using an incentive spirometer. While it is beneficial for a patient to take deep breaths and hold them after inhalation to maximize lung expansion, the specific duration of 10 seconds may not be universally applicable or necessary for everyone. Typically, the guidelines for using an incentive spirometer focus on taking slow, deep breaths to help expand the lungs and prevent complications such as atelectasis. The emphasis is on achieving maximal inspiratory levels indicated by the gauge rather than a rigid time duration for holding the breath. In contrast, the other statements reflect proper understanding. Using the device every hour while awake promotes regular lung expansion, exhaling completely before inhaling ensures that the client inhales fresh air to maximize lung volume, and keeping the gauge in the green zone indicates that the patient is achieving their targeted airflow and lung capacity goals. These responsibilities and expectations are key elements in effective incentive spirometer usage for improving respiratory function.