The client tells the nurse, "Blowing into this tube thing (incentive spirometer) is a ridiculous waste of time." Which one of the following does the nurse tell the client is the specific purpose of using an incentive spirometer?

Question

a. It directly removes excess secretions from the lungs.
b. It increases pulmonary circulation.
c. It promotes optimal lung expansion.
d. It stimulates the cough reflex.

Answer 1

C
The primary purpose of using an incentive spirometer is to promote optimal lung expansion.
Coughing exercises are used to remove excess secretions from the lungs.
The specific purpose of using an incentive spirometer is not to increase pulmonary circulation. Ambulation helps increase pulmonary circulation as the respiratory rate increases.
The primary purpose of incentive spirometry is not to stimulate the cough reflex, but to promote lung expansion.