Question 1
The nurse reinforces the use of an incentive spirometer to a patient with a blunt chest injury. Understanding of nursing instructions is clear when the patient:
- A. exhales normally.
- B. takes rapid, shallow breaths.
- C. seals the mouthpiece during exhalation.
- D. tilts the incentive spirometer.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — seals the mouthpiece during exhalation.
The correct answer is C: 'seals the mouthpiece during exhalation.' When using an incentive spirometer, the patient should seal their lips tightly around the mouthpiece to ensure that all the inhaled air goes into the lungs and not out through the mouth. This technique helps to maximize the effectiveness of the therapy and ensures that the patient is receiving the intended benefit of improving lung function. Options A and B are incorrect as they do not demonstrate proper use of the incentive spirometer. Option D is also incorrect as tilting the spirometer would not facilitate proper inhalation technique. Therefore, the best answer is C as it reflects the correct technique for using an incentive spirometer effectively.