A patient is planning to perform incentive spirometry after abdominal surgery.The nurse should encourage the patient to do which of the following?

A) Get comfortable in a semi-reclined position.
B) Inhale as deeply as possible and then exhale into the incentive spirometry device.
C) Hold the breath for at least 3 seconds before exhaling.
D) Exhale as quickly as possible.

The patient should hold his breath for at least 3 seconds after inhalation.The patient should be positioned in the most erect position (e.g. ,high-Fowler's position),if tolerated.This promotes optimal lung expansion during respiratory maneuvers.The patient should exhale completely through the mouth and place the lips around the mouthpiece,and then he should take a slow,deep breath,hold it for at least 3 seconds,and exhale normally.