What is a primary goal of incentive spirometry in postoperative patients?

The primary goal of incentive spirometry in postoperative patients is to assist with lung expansion and prevent pneumonia. Following surgery, especially when patients are immobilized or under anesthesia, the risk of pulmonary complications increases. Incentive spirometry encourages patients to take deep breaths, which helps to expand the alveoli in the lungs. This expansion is crucial for ensuring adequate ventilation and oxygenation, and it significantly reduces the likelihood of atelectasis, where parts of the lung collapse, leading to pneumonia.

By focusing on lung expansion, incentive spirometry promotes better respiratory function, enhances gas exchange, and mobilizes secretions that could harbor bacteria, further decreasing the risk of pneumonia. This is particularly important since postoperative individuals may have reduced respiratory effort due to pain, sedation, or other factors. Therefore, using incentive spirometry effectively encourages postoperative patients to engage in deeper breaths, directly contributing to lung health and recovery.