SwipeExam Get the app

Incentive spirometry technique

  • NCLEX-PN
  • Reduction of Risk Potential
  • Select all that apply
  • Difficulty 3 of 5

Question

Which actions should the nurse reinforce when an adult uses a prescribed incentive spirometer after surgery? Select all that apply.

  1. Sit upright for the breathing maneuver.✓ Correct

    An upright position is used for the maneuver.

  2. Inhale slowly and deeply through the device.✓ Correct

    A gradual deep inhalation raises the piston toward the goal.

  3. Try to hold the breath for five seconds or as tolerated.✓ Correct

    A brief tolerated breath hold is part of the technique.

  4. Exhale rapidly into the device to raise the piston.✗ Incorrect

    The piston is raised by inhalation, not blowing into the device.

  5. Perform the breathing maneuver only while asleep.✗ Incorrect

    The prescribed repetitions are performed while awake.

Answer

A. Sit upright for the breathing maneuver. · B. Inhale slowly and deeply through the device. · C. Try to hold the breath for five seconds or as tolerated.

Rationale

The device supports lung expansion using a controlled inhalation and a brief breath hold. Upright positioning and repeating the maneuver while awake are part of the described technique.

RememberSit upright, inhale slowly and hold briefly when using an incentive spirometer.

Sources

Sources marked “Adapted from” are licensed under CC BY 4.0. We changed the material: its facts are rewritten into an original question, answer options and rationale. The original authors and publishers do not endorse SwipeExam.

Last verified: 2 independent automated checks Question rn-rrp-01815, version 1

Checks are automated. No licensed clinician has reviewed this question. Check the sources and your program’s materials.

Report an error in this question. For education only; not medical advice. See all sources and licenses.

More NCLEX-PN sample questions