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.At this point, ask them to hold their breath for as long as possible, ideally this should be at least 3 seconds.

You’ll see the piston or balls slowly fall.Once they reach the bottom of the spirometer, tell them to exhale normally through the mouth and to rest for a few seconds.Reposition the indicator at the level of maximal inspiration and repeat this process 5-10 times or whatever number of repetition is indicated in their care plan.There are a few things you should report to the nurse right away.

These include any changes in the result of the exercise or if the client is unable to reach the target volume.Document if they are able to perform incentive spirometry correctly, how many times they used it throughout the day, their max inspiration volume, and any problems preventing them from performing the exercise.If you notice any changes in the client’s breathing, be sure to report it right away to the nurse.All right, as a quick recap… Incentive spirometry is a respiratory exercise to help clients improve their lung function and reduce the risk of developing respiratory complications.An incentive spirometer is made up of a breathing tube with a mouthpiece, an air chamber, and an adjustable volume indicator.

Set the indicator at the target volume level.Ask them to inhale slowly through the mouthpiece up to maximal inspiration and to hold their breath for as long as possible or at least 3 seconds.Then, tell them to exhale normally.

Incentive spirometry should be repeated 5-10 times every hour while awake. Be sure to leave proper documentation after the procedure is finished.

an air chamber, and an adjustable volume indicator set the indicator at the Target. Volume level, ask them to inhale, slowly through the mouthpiece, up to maximum inspiration and to hold their breath for as long as possible or at least 3 seconds, then tell them to Exhale, normally incentive spirometry.

You should be repeated five to 10 times. Every hour, while awake.

Be sure to leave proper documentation after the procedure is finished.