Which statement is most accurate regarding atelectasis prevention?

• A. Oxygen therapy alone prevents atelectasis
• B. Excessive bed rest prevents atelectasis
• C. Incentive spirometer use, early ambulation, coughing, and position changes are recommended
• D. Coughing alone prevents alveolar collapse

Answer: (C)

Prevention of atelectasis hinges on keeping alveoli open and clearing airway secretions through deep breathing and movement. Incentive spirometry promotes sustained, deep breaths that recruit and reopen underinflated or collapsed alveoli, reducing the risk of mucus plugging and atelectasis. Early ambulation increases overall ventilation and diaphragmatic movement, helping to expand the lungs and clear secretions. Coughing helps mobilize and expel secretions that could block airways, further preventing collapse. Position changes improve ventilation to different lung regions and aid in drainage, supporting more uniform lung expansion.

Oxygen therapy alone improves oxygen levels but doesn’t address lung expansion or secretion clearance, so it doesn’t prevent alveolar collapse by itself. Prolonged bed rest can contribute to shallow breathing and greater atelectasis risk, and coughing alone is not sufficient to reopen collapsed alveoli without deep breathing and airway clearance. Therefore, using an incentive spirometer together with early ambulation, coughing, and position changes provides the most comprehensive prevention strategy.