What is the role of incentive spirometry in patient care?

• A. To measure blood pressure.
• B. To assess cognition.
• C. To promote lung expansion and prevent atelectasis.
• D. To monitor heart rhythm.

Answer: (C)

Incentive spirometry is a therapeutic breathing tool used to promote lung expansion and prevent atelectasis. The device provides visual feedback as you inhale slowly and deeply, encouraging you to take sustained maximal inspirations. By expanding the lungs and reopening collapsed or under-ventilated alveoli, it improves overall ventilation and oxygenation, which helps reduce the risk of pulmonary complications after surgery or during periods of limited movement. Regular use—often hourly while awake—supports better inspiratory effort, decreases the chance of pneumonia, and aids recovery. It’s not used for measuring blood pressure, assessing cognition, or monitoring heart rhythm, which are addressed by other monitoring methods. For proper use, sit up, seal the mouthpiece with your lips, inhale steadily to reach the target volume, hold briefly if directed, then exhale normally and repeat several times per session.