What is the function of incentive spirometers in patient care?

Incentive spirometers play a crucial role in encouraging patients to take deep breaths, which is particularly important after surgery. Postoperative patients are at a higher risk for developing atelectasis, a condition where parts of the lung collapse due to insufficient air reaching the alveoli. By using an incentive spirometer, patients can visually monitor their inhalation efforts, which motivates them to expand their lung capacity and improve ventilation. This deep breathing technique helps reinflate alveoli, increases lung volume, and enhances overall pulmonary function, reducing the risk of complications such as respiratory infections and atelectasis.

In contrast, options related to oxygen therapy, precise measurement of lung volumes, or airway clearance do not align with the primary purpose of incentive spirometry. Oxygen therapy is administered through different devices, lung volume measurements are more accurately assessed with spirometric tests, and airway clearance involves different techniques and devices like chest physiotherapy.