Respiratory: Incentive spirometry (for nursing assistant training)

Incentive spirometry is a respiratory exercise to help clients improve their lung expansion, prevent fluid and mucus from collecting in the lungs, and reduce the risk of developing respiratory complications, like pneumonia and atelectasis.

It is especially important for people with underlying lung diseases, those who are overweight or have other chronic diseases, as well as those recovering from surgery.

Incentive spirometry is performed with a special device called an incentive spirometer, which is made up of a mouthpiece attached to a breathing tube that connects to an air chamber with an adjustable volume indicator.

Flow oriented incentive spirometer uses balls to indicate volume, while the volume oriented spirometer uses pistons. Now, before you start, here are some general considerations.

Clients that are experiencing pain, motor function impairments, and people with dementia or other cognitive impairments might be unable to perform incentive spirometry exercises.

Those who can, should do incentive spirometry 5-10 times every hour while awake. After performing the test, people sometimes feel dizzy and out of breath for a short period of time.

When performing incentive spirometry, first make sure the client is in the sitting or the most erect position possible, ideally in the high-Fowler’s position.

Set the volume indicator at the target volume level. Ask them to exhale completely through the mouth.

Then, tell them to place their lips tightly around the mouthpiece and inhale through the mouth by taking a slow, deep breath. As they inhale, you’ll see the piston or balls rise inside the air chamber.

This shows how deeply the client can inhale. Maximal inspiration is the volume reached when they cannot inhale any more.