Which statement best describes a preventive measure for atelectasis in the postoperative period?

• A. Limit incentive spirometry.
• B. Ambulation without breathing exercises.
• C. Encourage incentive spirometry, deep breathing, and coughing.
• D. Avoid coughing to prevent bronchial irritation.

Answer: (C)

Atelectasis after surgery happens when shallow breathing allows areas of the lung to collapse and mucus can block airways. The most effective prevention is to combine strategies that expand the lungs and clear secretions: incentive spirometry provides a cue for the patient to take slow, deep breaths, promoting maximal lung expansion and recruitment of alveoli; deep breathing increases overall tidal volume and ventilation; and coughing helps mobilize and remove secretions, reopening airways and preventing mucus plugging. Together, these measures keep the lungs expanded and reduce the chance of collapse. Limiting incentive spirometry would miss a key lung-expansion technique; ambulation alone helps but doesn’t guarantee adequate breathing effort or secretion clearance; avoiding coughing prevents airway clearance, which can allow further atelectasis.