What patient population is the use of incentive spirometry used?

• A. All postoperative patients
• B. At risk for atelectasis or pneumonia
• C. Only ICU patients
• D. Only pediatric patients

Answer: (B)

Incentive spirometry is used for patients who are at risk for atelectasis or pneumonia. After surgery and anesthesia, lung volumes can drop, secretions may pool, and the risk of alveolar collapse increases. Using incentive spirometry encourages slow, deep breaths, helps re-expand airways, improves ventilation, and promotes airway clearance, thereby reducing postoperative pulmonary complications. It's not limited to a specific setting or age group; the key idea is use in those at risk for atelectasis or pneumonia, which includes many postoperative patients who are immobilized or in pain and have limited inspiratory effort.