Make sure patients have an incentive spirometer and know how to use the device. 
 
Some patients feel significant pain after their surgery and as a result don’t breathe deeply. The lack of lung expansion could lead to pneumonia — and a rehospitalization.
 
Sometimes patients wind up not bringing the device home from the hospital or trashing it.
 
When that occurs, Kindred at Home’s protocol is to supply the patient with one and explain how important it is to use to keep the lungs expanded and circulation going. The incentive spirometer is a “visual motivator,” showing patients how deeply they can inhale.