During incentive spirometry, what is the step immediately after sitting upright?

During incentive spirometry, what is the step immediately after sitting upright?

• A. Inhale
• B. Exhale
• C. Insert mouthpiece
• D. Hold breath

Answer: (B)

Starting with a sit-up position helps the diaphragm move more effectively and opens the lungs. The step immediately after sitting upright is to exhale normally. This sets a baseline at or near the functional residual capacity, clearing a bit of air so the next deep inhalation can recruit more alveoli and expand the lungs more effectively. After exhaling, you then inhale slowly through the mouthpiece to raise the device’s indicator to the prescribed volume, often holding the breath briefly before exhaling again. The exhale step is essential because it prepares the lungs for a purposeful, maximal inhalation that improves lung expansion and helps prevent postoperative atelectasis.

Starting with a sit-up position helps the diaphragm move more effectively and opens the lungs. The step immediately after sitting upright is to exhale normally. This sets a baseline at or near the functional residual capacity, clearing a bit of air so the next deep inhalation can recruit more alveoli and expand the lungs more effectively. After exhaling, you then inhale slowly through the mouthpiece to raise the device’s indicator to the prescribed volume, often holding the breath briefly before exhaling again. The exhale step is essential because it prepares the lungs for a purposeful, maximal inhalation that improves lung expansion and helps prevent postoperative atelectasis.