Incentive spirometry after cesarean birth primarily helps prevent which complication?

• A. Pneumonia.
• B. Wound infection.
• C. Postpartum hemorrhage.
• D. Deep vein thrombosis.

Answer: (A)

After cesarean birth, anesthesia and surgical pain can cause shallow breathing, which may lead to atelectasis (collapsed lung tissue). Atelectasis increases the risk of pneumonia because secretions aren’t fully cleared and the lungs aren’t expanded well enough for effective gas exchange. Incentive spirometry provides a visual goal and prompts the patient to take slow, deep breaths, expanding the lungs, reopening alveoli, and improving ventilation. This helps clear secretions and reduces the chance of developing pneumonia in the postoperative period. It doesn’t directly prevent wound infection, postpartum hemorrhage, or deep vein thrombosis, which are addressed by other care measures.