getting patients to use their incentive spirometer

[angelsr28]

For all you experienced nurses out there, how do you get your patients to actually use their incentive spirometer without having to tell them to every hour?

[steelydanfan]

I too use the TV commercial reminder, it seems to work well. I find with a simple explanation of alveolar collapse and the resulting complications, my pt.s use thier IS religiously, and ask to walk! Usually, it's just lack of knowledge that needs to be addressed. same approach works for DVt annd leg exercises/SCD compliance.

[RNperdiem, RN]

I forget about expecting patients to remember.

If a family member is sitting at the bedside and is able, I will give them the task.

Otherwise, I'm in the room frequently enough to hand over the IS and tell the patient to take a slow deep drag.

There are lots of smokers and ex-smokers out there. They understand the slow deep drag on the IS concept.

[mybrowneyedgirl, BSN, RN]

• I suggest they use it after their pain meds so that they are more comfortable with long inhalations.
  
• I explain what could happen if they don't use it.
  
• I give them the goal of 6 breaths/hr
  

Often, I find that noone has taken the time to do they above explanation. Most, when they know, will use it. I was shocked when I went into a patients room that had pneumonia. She had no I.S. and noone explained coughing and deep breathing to her.

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

I was shocked when I went into a patients room that had pneumonia. She had no I.S. and noone explained coughing and deep breathing to her.

Well, that's what SHE says, anyhow...!!!

[RNKPCE]

First make sure they are medicated for pain. Make sure they know it is to prevent post op pna

I completely agree enlist the family or visitors. Just last week I saw a wife spoon feeding a 40 year old man. I said that moving his arms bringing the fork to his mouth is an exercise in itself( after open heart surgery) and that he should be doing this himself. Then I showed them the trilow or IS and said she could be more helpful getting him to do this every hour then feeding him.

Also remind the patient that the surgeon has done their job in the OR and now they have to assume some of the responsibility of getting well. . Remind them that it is as important as any medication the doctor orders.