What is the purpose of deep breathing, coughing, and using an incentive spirometer post-op?

• A. Promote optimal lung expansion and prevent atelectasis
• B. Reduce pain and anxiety
• C. Improve digestion
• D. Accelerate wound healing

Answer: (A)

Postoperative patients tend to breathe shallowly because of pain and lingering anesthesia, which lowers lung volumes and can cause parts of the lung to collapse (atelectasis). Deep breathing exercises expand the lungs to near-normal volumes, reopening collapsed airspaces and improving overall ventilation. Coughing helps clear secretions and keep airways open, reducing obstruction and infection risk. An incentive spirometer encourages sustained, slow, deep breaths with visual feedback, which reinforces lung expansion between breaths. Together, these methods target the mechanics of the lungs to prevent atelectasis and improve oxygenation, supporting better postoperative recovery. They aren’t primarily about pain relief, digestion, or wound healing, though improved respiratory status can aid overall recovery.