Objective 50: Incentive Spirometer Use

Demonstrate spirometer use and examine spirogram data........

The use of incentive spirometers is a task that we covered early on in our nursing labs.  The incentive spirometer helps to increase lung volume and prevent atelactasis (or collapsing of the alveoli) in patients who have respiratory issues or are bed-bound following surgery. 

Nurse's Note: Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer is an independent nursing intervention that does not require an order from a physician.