Incentive Spirometer + Peak Flow Meter

what does an incentive spirometer do to the body?

helps keep alveoli open

• helps gas exchange happen

• secretions can be cleared/expectorated

what is pictured?

incentive spirometer

who uses incentive spirometers?

• post-op patients to prevent atelectasis and pneumonia

• bedbound patients

• patients not taking deep breaths

• anyone alert, cooperative, and able to seal lips on a mouthpiece and follow simple directions

expected outcomes after using incentive spirometer

1. increased lung expansion with clear breath sounds

2. increased O₂ saturation level

prep steps before teaching incentive spirometer (comfort/safety)

1. hand hygiene

2. upright or semi-fowler

3. remove poorly fitting dentures

4. give pain med if needed

what should we do for patients with abdominal surgery?

place pillow over the abdomen for splinting

what should we demonstrate to the patient?

how to steady the device with one hand and hold the mouth piece with the other

basic positioning and device hold for incentive spirometer

• device upright (on a flat surface or in hand)

• steady device with one hand and hold the mouthpiece with the other

incentive spirometer mouthpiece and inhale directions

1. exhale normally

2. seal lips on the mouthpiece

3. inhale slowly and deeply through the mouth (not the nose)

what are patients doing to actually exercise using the incentive spirometer?

inhaling slowly and deeply to expand the alveoli

breath-hold time on incentive spirometer

hold the breath for about 3 seconds, then exhale normally

how often to use incentive spirometer while awake

about 5–10 breaths every 1–2 hours

what should you document after incentive spirometer practice?

how long they practiced and the average volume reached

when to pause incentive spirometer practice

if lightheaded, stop and take a few normal breaths before resuming

what is pictured?

peak flow meter

what is a peak flow meter used for?

an airflow monitoring device for patients with asthma; checks how well lungs are working day-to-day

who uses a peak flow meter?

patients with asthma

what is peak expiratory flow rate?

volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled

quick patient setup for peak flow

1. sit or stand up straight

2. take a deep breath

3. seal lips on the mouthpiece

4. blow out hard and fast

what should nurse be able to do for patient with asthma?

recognize signs of a flare-up before symptoms appear