What Is the Purpose of an Incentive Spirometer?

During surgery, plenty of IV fluids are given to maintain blood pressure.

One of the greatest dangers to post surgical patients is pneumonia. Two of the most important things a patient can do, with the nurse urging them on, is to walk and use the incentive spirometer.

Lung Function

The functional unit of the lungs, alveoli, resemble a bunch of grapes.

To understand how the incentive spirometer works a little anatomy is needed. The alveoli in the lungs accepts the inhaled air. It transfers oxygen into the bloodstream and draws in waste gases to be exhaled. Normal, everyday movements keep the lung fields open, even the lower fields.

Post Surgery

Exhale on a mirror and the moisture becomes evident.

The body tries to rid itself of the extra fluids introduced to it during surgery in two ways. One way is through sweat, the other is through exhalation. During exhalation, moisture is part of the expelled air.

Incentive Spirometer

Properly ventilated lungs are evident by well-defined pulmonary borders on X-ray.

The device uses a ping pong ball, or plastic piston, as an indicator. With the attached mouthpiece, the patient inhales deeply and the ball moves upward. Indicator marks on the device not only give the patient a goal but also tells them how much air they are drawing in. This exercise fills the lungs, including the lower lung fields. The more air drawn into the alveoli means less fluid accumulation and greatly reduced threat of pneumonia.

References

• Cleveland Clinic Foundation: How to Use an Incentive Spirometer
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: Do You Know... An educational series for patients and their families: Incentive Spirometer
• Medical Supplies and Equipment Co.: Incentive Spirometer

Resources

• RCJournal.com: Clinical Practice Guidelines: Incentive Spirometer