What clinical data is best for assessing the effectiveness of incentive spirometry?

• A. Inspiratory capacity predicted volume
• B. ABG analysis pre and post treatment
• C. Breath sounds before and after treatment
• D. Maximum voluntary ventilation done periodically

Answer: (C)

The evaluation of incentive spirometry's effectiveness is best represented by assessing breath sounds before and after the treatment. This clinical data is directly related to the patient’s respiratory status, allowing healthcare providers to observe any changes in lung function due to the use of the spirometer.

Breath sounds can indicate whether there is improvement in conditions such as atelectasis, which incentive spirometry aims to prevent or treat. For instance, if breath sounds improve post-treatment, it would suggest that the incentive spirometry is effectively expanding the lungs and aiding in the clearance of secretions.

While other options may provide useful information about lung capacity or gas exchange, they do not directly reflect the immediate clinical changes resulting from the incentive spirometry. Inspiratory capacity predicted volume focuses on lung capacity in a more static sense rather than dynamic lung function improvement. ABG analysis, though informative about gas exchange, does not give real-time feedback on the effects of the spirometry session itself. Maximum voluntary ventilation assesses overall capacity rather than specific treatment effectiveness, making breath sounds a more targeted indicator for evaluating response to incentive spirometry.