What is the purpose of using an incentive spirometer in patient care?

The purpose of using an incentive spirometer in patient care is to encourage deep breathing and prevent atelectasis. This device is specifically designed to promote lung expansion by motivating patients to take slow, deep breaths. By providing visual feedback, it helps patients see their progress towards inhaling fully, which can improve lung capacity and encourage the clearing of secretions. This is particularly important after surgery or during periods of restricted mobility, as deep breathing can help to prevent the collapse of alveoli (atelectasis) and reduce the risk of respiratory complications.

Other options, while important in medical practice, do not accurately describe the primary function of an incentive spirometer. Monitoring blood pressure relates to cardiovascular health, providing supplemental oxygen is a different therapeutic approach for patients with low oxygen levels, and evaluating lung function is typically done through other kinds of tests and equipment, rather than incentive spirometry.