The nurse is conducting preoperative teaching with the patient and family.The nurse teaches the patient the proper use of the incentive spirometer.The nurse knows that the patient understands the need for this intervention when the patient states,"I use this device to:

A) help my cough reflex."
B) expand my lungs after surgery."
C) increase my lung circulation."
D) keep me from coughing."

Incentive Spirometer

A respiratory therapy device used to encourage patients to breathe deeply to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications.

Lung Circulation

The process of blood flow through the lungs where it is oxygenated before being returned to the heart to be pumped to the rest of the body.

Cough Reflex

An automatic response triggered by irritation in the airways, designed to protect the respiratory system by ejecting irritants.