Incentive Spirometer
Introduction
In a community pharmacy or hospital setting, you will frequently see patients purchasing or using an incentive spirometer after abdominal/thoracic surgery or during a lung illness (such as pneumonia).
Incentive spirometry is performed using devices which provide visual cues to the patients that the desired flow or volume has been achieved.
- The purpose is to facilitate a sustained maximal inspiration (a slow, deep breath).
There are two main types you will encounter:
- Volume-oriented - The patient inhales to raise a single large piston to a specific target volume market.
- Flow-oriented - The patient inhales to raise two or three lightweight balls in separate chamber.
How to Use
Patient technique is critical. The most common patient error is attempting to blow into the device like a balloon, rather than inhaling through it.
- Patient should be in a relaxed position suitable for deep breathing (e.g. sitting upright in a chair or side lying if extra volume is required in long due to ventilation perfusion matching).
- Hold the incentive spirometer in an upright position.
- The patient should exhale normally to completely empty their lungs before starting the exercise.
- The patient creates a tight seal around the mouthpiece and inhales deeply and slowly.
- The patient watches the flow meter for visual feedback. If possible, the patient sustains the inhalation to create an end-inspiratory hold (at least for 5 seconds or as long as possible).
- Patient relaxes around the mouthpiece and exhales; normal breathing is resumed with relaxed shoulder girdle.
- Advise patient to take approximately 10 incentive spirometry breaths per waking hour.
- After each set of 10 deep breaths, cough to cleanse your lungs of any fluid build-up.
Summary
Repetitive deep breathing can cause hyperventilation.
- If the patient feels dizzy or lightheaded at any time, advise them to stop, rest, and breathe normally until it passes.
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