Which option correctly describes the incentive spirometry technique?

• A. Inhale quickly through the mouthpiece
• B. Sit upright, exhale and seal lips tight on mouthpiece, inhale, hold breath, then exhale
• C. Sit upright, inhale and exhale in rapid succession
• D. Lie down, exhale through the mouth

Answer: (B)

Incentive spirometry trains a slow, deep inhale to maximize lung inflation and prevent atelectasis after surgery. Sit upright to optimize diaphragmatic movement, then place the mouthpiece in the mouth and seal the lips tightly around it so air is drawn in rather than leaking out. Inhale slowly and deeply to raise the device indicator, hold the breath briefly to allow alveolar recruitment, and then exhale normally before repeating. The key is the slow, controlled inhalation through the mouthpiece with a brief breath hold, not rapid breathing or exhaling into the device.