Show
Full Text Access for Subscribers:Not a Subscriber?CLINICAL DO'S & DON'TS PULLEN, RICHARD L. JR. RN, EDD Richard L. Pullen, Jr., is a professor of nursing at Amarillo (Tex.) College. Each month, this department illustrates key clinical
points for a common nursing procedure. Because of space constraints, it's not comprehensive. Nursing Quick LinksRelated ArticlesThis information will help you learn how to use and clean your incentive spirometer (in-SEN-tiv spy-rah-MEE-ter). It also answers some common questions about it. Back to topAbout Your Incentive SpirometerAn incentive spirometer is a device that will expand your lungs by helping you breathe more deeply and fully. It measures how much air you can breathe into your lungs. Using an incentive spirometer:
The parts of your incentive spirometer are labeled in Figure 1. Figure 1. Incentive Spirometer It’s very important to use your incentive spirometer after your surgery. It’s also important to do your deep breathing and coughing exercises. This will help loosen and bring up any mucus in your lungs. Keeping your lungs active during your recovery will help prevent lung infections, such as pneumonia (noo-MOH-nyuh). If you have an active respiratory infection, do not use your incentive spirometer around other people. A respiratory infection is an infection in your nose, throat, or lungs, such as pneumonia or COVID-19. This kind of infection can spread from person to person through the air. It can spread to someone near you when you’re using your spirometer to breathe in and out. Back to topHow To Use Your Incentive SpirometerHere is a video that shows how to use your incentive spirometer:
Setting up your incentive spirometerBefore you use your incentive spirometer for the first time, you will need to set it up. First, take the flexible (bendable) tubing out of the bag and stretch it out. Then, connect the tubing to the outlet on the right side of the base (see Figure 1). The mouthpiece is attached to the other end of the tubing. Using your incentive spirometerWhen using your incentive spirometer, make sure to breathe through your mouth. If you breathe through your nose, your spirometer will not work right. You can hold your nose if you have trouble. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded (like you’re going to faint) at any time, stop and rest. Try again at a later time. Follow these steps to use your incentive spirometer. Repeat these steps each hour you’re awake.
Use your incentive spirometer 10 times each hour you’re awake. Cover the mouthpiece of your incentive spirometer when you’re not using it. Back to topHow To Clean Your Incentive SpirometerFollow these steps to clean the flexible tubing with the mouthpiece from your incentive spirometer. Clean it after each use, or as often as needed.
Commonly Asked QuestionsHow often should I use my incentive spirometer?How often you will need to use your incentive spirometer is different for everyone. It depends on the type of surgery you had and your recovery process. Most people are able to use their incentive spirometer at least 10 times each hour they’re awake. Your healthcare provider will tell you how often to use your spirometer. Follow their instructions. How long after my surgery will I need to use my incentive spirometer?The length of time you will need to use your incentive spirometer is different for everyone. It depends on the type of surgery you had and your recovery process. Your healthcare provider will tell you how long you need to use your spirometer for. Follow their instructions. What do the numbers on my incentive spirometer measure?The large column of your incentive spirometer has numbers on it (see Figure 1). These numbers measure the volume of your breath in milliliters (mL) or cubic centimeters (cc). The volume of your breath is how much air you can breathe into your lungs (inhale). For example, if the piston rises to 1500, it means you can inhale 1500 mL or cc of air. The higher the number, the more air you’re able to inhale, and the better your lungs are working. What number I should aim for?The number you should aim for depends on your age, height, and sex. It also depends on the type of surgery you had and your recovery process. Your healthcare provider will look at these things when setting a goal for you. They will tell you what number to aim for. Most people start with a goal of 500 mL or cc. Your healthcare provider may change your goal and have you aim for higher numbers as you heal from surgery. The package your incentive spirometer came in should also have a chart. You can use the chart to set your goal based on your age, height, and sex. What does the coaching indicator on my incentive spirometer measure?The coaching indicator on your incentive spirometer measures the speed of your breath. As the speed of your breath changes, the indicator moves up and down. Use the indicator to guide your breathing. If the indicator rises above the higher arrow, it means you’re breathing in too fast. If the indicator stays below the lower arrow, it means you’re breathing in too slow. Aim to keep the indicator between the 2 arrows (see Figure 1). This means your breath is steady and controlled. Back to topWhen To Call Your Healthcare ProviderCall your healthcare provider if you have any of these when using your incentive spirometer:
What substance is required to keep clients alveoli from collapsing and causing atelectasis?Without normal surfactant, the tissue surrounding the air sacs in the lungs (the alveoli) sticks together (because of a force called surface tension) after exhalation, causing the alveoli to collapse.
What should the nurse include as the correct sequence of the transmission of electrical impulses?Thus, the correct answer is 'Cell body-Axon-Nerve terminal'.
What is the preferred oxygen delivery device?A nasal cannula is the most common oxygen delivery system, used for mild hypoxia (figure 4a).
What organs are involved in gas exchange?During gas exchange oxygen moves from the lungs to the bloodstream. At the same time carbon dioxide passes from the blood to the lungs. This happens in the lungs between the alveoli and a network of tiny blood vessels called capillaries, which are located in the walls of the alveoli.
|