The nurse is assisting a postoperative person in using an incentive spirometer. Which of the following postoperative complications is the nurse attempting to avoid with this person?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse is attempting to avoid atelectasis, which is a common postoperative complication that can occur due to reduced lung expansion and increased secretion production. The use of an incentive spirometer helps to improve lung expansion and prevent atelectasis by encouraging the person to take deep breaths and cough to clear secretions. Option A is incorrect because the use of an incentive spirometer does not directly prevent pulmonary embolism. Option B is incorrect because the use of an incentive spirometer does not directly prevent deep vein thrombosis. Option D is incorrect because a pneumothorax is not a complication that is directly related to postoperative respiratory care.

The Nurse Is Assisting a Postoperative Person in Using an Incentive