Which intervention is most effective to reverse atelectasis after surgery?

• A. Incentive spirometry to re-expand alveoli.
• B. Prolonged bed rest.
• C. Frequent use of a high-concentration oxygen hood.
• D. Continuous nasal suctioning.

Answer: (A)

Postoperative atelectasis occurs when shallow breathing and mucus plugging allow part of the lung to collapse. The key to reversing this is actively recruiting and re-expanding the collapsed alveoli. Incentive spirometry provides a structured way to take slow, deep breaths to maximal inspiratory effort, hold briefly, and repeat. This directly expands the alveoli, increases lung volumes, and improves ventilation, which helps reopen collapsed areas and enhance oxygenation.

Other approaches don’t promote alveolar expansion as effectively. Prolonged bed rest reduces chest movement and ventilation; a high-concentration oxygen hood helps oxygenation but doesn’t reliably reopen collapsed lung tissue and can contribute to absorption atelectasis if overused; suctioning addresses secretions but not lung expansion. Therefore, incentive spirometry is the most effective intervention to reverse atelectasis after surgery. Use typically involves taking multiple deep breaths per hour while awake, with a goal of sustained maximal inspiration and brief holds.