Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1398259
14 Using an Incentive Spirometer After your surgical procedure, you might receive an Incentive Spirometer. This is a device to help keep your lungs healthy after your surgery. In some cases you might be given this device before surgery at Perioperative Care Clinic. Breathing exercises keep your lungs clear, strengthen your breathing muscles and help prevent problems after surgery. Breathing Exercise Instructions Using an Incentive Spirometer Step 1: Exhale normally. • Relax and breathe out. Step 2: Place your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. • Make sure the device is upright and not tilted. Step 3: Inhale as much air as you can through the mouthpiece. Do not breathe in through your nose. The device will not work properly if you breathe in through your nose. • Inhale slowly and deeply. • Hold your breath long enough to keep the balls or disk raised for at least 3 seconds. • Some spirometers have an indicator to let you know that you are breathing in too fast. If the indicator goes off, breathe in more slowly. Step 4: Repeat the exercise • While you are in the hospital: Perform this exercise every hour while you are awake, or as instructed by your healthcare provider. Activity and Walking Your surgical team will encourage you to get out of bed, sit in a chair for meals, and walk as much as possible. Walking will: • Help blood move through your body • Relieve gas pain • Keeps your lungs clear • Help your bowels move • Speed up your recovery You will be walking at least once or twice the same day as your surgery, and walking several times a day starting the first day after surgery. For your safety, call your nurse to help you get out of bed or a chair. You may not be as strong or steady as you think and having help will prevent you from falling. Continue to ask for help until your care team tells you it is safe for you to get up without help. Always wear nonskid slippers when you are out of bed.