Which respiratory care measure is commonly used to prevent atelectasis in the immediate postoperative period?

• A. Incentive spirometry
• B. Nebulization therapy
• C. Continuous positive airway pressure
• D. Deep suctioning

Answer: (A)

Atelectasis after surgery happens when shallow breathing and limited chest expansion allow alveoli to collapse, especially in the dependent parts of the lungs. Incentive spirometry directly tackles this by prompting patients to take slow, deep breaths and sustain them to reach a target lung volume. This practice expands the alveoli, increases functional residual capacity, and improves overall ventilation, which helps re-expand collapsed airways and reduces the risk of postoperative atelectasis. It also encourages consistent breathing patterns and can aid in mobilizing secretions with repeated use.

Incentive spirometry is the standard postoperative measure because it specifically trains the patient to achieve maximal inspiration and keeps lungs inflated during the critical early period after surgery. Use is typically multiple times an hour while awake, with instructions reinforced by staff and often aided by pain control or splinting to allow deep breaths.

Nebulization delivers medications and can aid airway clearance or bronchodilation but isn’t primarily a preventive technique for alveolar collapse. Continuous positive airway pressure can help keep airways open and is used in select cases, but incentive spirometry is the most common preventive measure after surgery. Deep suctioning removes secretions rather than preventing alveolar collapse and can cause airway trauma if overused.