How to Use an Incentive Spirometer

Nursing Knowledge

How to Use an Incentive Spirometer

Incentive spirometry is a respiratory therapy technique employed in clinical practice by nurses to promote optimal lung function and prevent complications in patients following surgery or those with respiratory conditions. The spirometer encourages patients to take slow, deep breaths, expanding their lung capacity and clearing secretions. Nursing tasks include instructing patients on proper use and monitoring progress.

Last updated: November 4, 2025

What is incentive spirometry?

Incentive spirometry is a breathing therapy technique aiming to improve lung function and prevent respiratory complications. It involves having the patient inhale deeply through a spirometer (a handheld device with a series of chambers and a visual indicator) while holding it at a predetermined level, encouraging them to take slow and deep breaths.

Incentive spirometer purpose

The goals of incentive spirometry include expanding lung capacity, improving oxygen exchange, and maintaining healthy lung function.

Incentive spirometry indications

Incentive spirometry is often applied in postoperative care, especially after surgeries involving the chest or abdomen, as well as in managing various respiratory conditions.

Incentive spirometer instructions

Pre-procedure: preparing incentive spirometry

Perform hand hygiene
Provide privacy
Explain procedure
Raise bed to appropriate level
Assist client to semi-Fowler’s position
Perform respiratory assessment
If client has a surgical incision, teach them to splint incision with a pillow

Procedure: how to instruct a client to use a spirometer

Instruct the client to exhale normally
Have the client put the mouthpiece up to their mouth
Instruct the client to take a long, slow, deep breath while watching the piston go up
Have the client hold their breath for 5 seconds
Have the client remove the mouthpiece and exhale
Set the gauge on the incentive spirometer to show the goal volume of inspired air
After the client is able to return demonstrate the procedure, provide instructions on performing it independently

Post-procedure and how to document a spirometry

Reassess client’s respiratory status
Return the bed to the lowest position
Perform hand hygiene
Document the procedure

Be sure to document:

Maximum inspiration volume
Number of times it was used

Notify the healthcare provider if:

Client experiences any signs of respiratory distress
Volume obtained differs significantly from previous measurements
If the client is unable to achieve the inspiratory goal

Peak flow meter vs incentive spirometer

A peak flow meter measures how fast a patient can blow air out of their lungs, helping in monitoring conditions, such as asthma.

An incentive spirometer does not measure exhalation, but helps the patient to take slow, deep breaths with the aim of improving lung function.

How often to use incentive spirometer

Clients should follow providers’ instructions on frequency of spirometer use. For example, a client may be instructed to take several breaths with the spirometer every hour.

How long to use incentive spirometer after surgery

The duration of incentive spirometer use after surgery varies depending on the patient's condition and healthcare provider’s instructions. Often, it is used in the immediate postoperative period for a few days to a week.

Splinting: Breathing & Coughing after Surgery

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