Which intervention is commonly used to prevent postoperative atelectasis by encouraging deep breathing?

• A. Nebulized bronchodilators
• B. Incentive spirometer
• C. Chest percussion
• D. Humidified oxygen

Answer: (B)

Encouraging deep breathing after surgery helps prevent atelectasis by expanding the lungs and keeping alveoli open. An incentive spirometer specifically trains patients to take slow, deep breaths with sustained inspiratory effort. As they inhale through the device, they lift a piston or ball, receiving visual feedback that motivates a maximal inspiratory effort. Repeated use increases lung volumes, recruits collapsed alveoli, improves ventilation, and helps prevent the small airway collapse that leads to atelectasis.

In practice, patients typically perform several deep breaths per hour while awake, hold each breath for a few seconds to maximize alveolar inflation, and do this consistently to maintain adequate lung expansion. Pain control and early mobilization enhance effectiveness.

Other options address different goals: bronchodilators treat airway constriction, chest percussion aids secretions, and humidified oxygen supports gas exchange but doesn’t directly promote the deep lung inflation needed to prevent postoperative atelectasis.