Which action is NOT part of the incentive spirometry technique as described?

Which action is NOT part of the incentive spirometry technique as described?

• A. Sit upright
• B. Exhale and seal lips on mouthpiece
• C. Inhale
• D. Breathe through the nose

Answer: (D)

Incentive spirometry is used to promote deep, deliberate inhalations to expand the lungs and prevent atelectasis after surgery or illness. The technique is performed with the patient seated upright, with lips tightly sealed around a mouthpiece so the patient can inhale through the mouth into the device. The goal is to inhale slowly and deeply to raise the indicator on the device, sometimes holding briefly to maximize alveolar expansion, then exhaling normally away from the mouthpiece. Breathing through the nose isn’t part of this method because the device’s feedback and resistance are designed for inhalation through the mouthpiece. Exhaling into the mouthpiece isn’t the target action either—the focus is on a controlled deep inhalation through the mouth.

Incentive spirometry is used to promote deep, deliberate inhalations to expand the lungs and prevent atelectasis after surgery or illness. The technique is performed with the patient seated upright, with lips tightly sealed around a mouthpiece so the patient can inhale through the mouth into the device. The goal is to inhale slowly and deeply to raise the indicator on the device, sometimes holding briefly to maximize alveolar expansion, then exhaling normally away from the mouthpiece.

Breathing through the nose isn’t part of this method because the device’s feedback and resistance are designed for inhalation through the mouthpiece. Exhaling into the mouthpiece isn’t the target action either—the focus is on a controlled deep inhalation through the mouth.