The client tells the nurse that “blowing into this tube thing (incenti

The client tells the nurse that “blowing into this tube thing (incentive spirometer) is a ridiculous waste of time.” The nurse explains that the specific purpose of the therapy is to:

1. Directly remove excess secretions from the lungs
2. Increase pulmonary circulation
3. Promote lung expansion
4. Stimulate the cough reflex

ANSWER

ANS: 3
The primary purpose of using an incentive spirometer is to promote lung expansion. Coughing exercises are used to remove excess secretions from the lungs. Ambulation helps increase pulmo-nary circulation as the respiratory rate increases. The primary purpose of incentive spirometry is not to stimulate the cough reflex, but to promote lung expansion.