When should a nurse encourage a postoperative patient to use an incentive spirometer?

Encouraging a postoperative patient to use an incentive spirometer at least every hour is crucial for promoting optimal lung function and preventing complications such as atelectasis, which can occur after surgery. The incentive spirometer serves as a device to help patients take deep breaths, which enhances lung expansion and facilitates the clearance of secretions from the airways.

Using the spirometer regularly, specifically at least every hour, ensures that the patient is consistently performing deep breathing exercises, which can help improve oxygenation and promote effective respiratory function post-surgery. This practice can significantly reduce the risk of respiratory complications by keeping the alveoli inflated and preventing collapse.

While using the spirometer every two hours may seem adequate, it might not be frequent enough to maintain continuous lung function, especially during the crucial early postoperative period. Waiting until a patient feels short of breath or only encouraging use when they shift in bed does not proactively address the risk of respiratory issues, potentially leading to complications that could prolong recovery. Therefore, the emphasis on a minimum hourly use strikes a balance between encouraging patient participation in their recovery while ensuring adequate respiratory health is maintained.