As a part of preoperative teaching, the nurse is instructing the client on the use of a volume-oriented incentive spirometer. Which instruction should be included in this teaching? (Select all that apply.)

Question

1. Blow out into the canister until the enclosed cylinder rises.
2. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
3. Inhale sharply to elevate the enclosed cylinder.
4. Use a nose clip to occlude nasal passages if necessary.
5. Cough after using the device.
6. Tilt the device slightly toward yourself while using.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2, 4, 5
Rationale : The volume-oriented incentive spirometer works best when the client closes the lips around the mouthpiece tightly, inhales slowly and deeply to achieve rise in the enclosed cylinder, and keeps the device level. A nose clip may be used to occlude nasal passages if the client has difficulty breathing only through the nose. The client should also be taught to cough after using the device.