A nurse is providing preoperative teaching about using an incentive spirometer for a client. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. "Place the head of the bed flat before using the incentive spirometer." The client should be in a semi-Fowler’s or high-Fowler’s position (sitting upright) to maximize lung expansion. B. "Hold your breath for 2 to 3 seconds when using the incentive spirometer." Holding the breath allows for maximum lung expansion and helps prevent atelectasis (lung collapse). C. "Use the incentive spirometer every 3 hours while awake." The incentive spirometer should be used every 1 to 2 hours while awake to promote lung expansion and prevent complications such as pneumonia. D. "Breathe in through your nose when using the incentive spirometer." The client should inhale deeply through the mouth, not the nose, to ensure proper lung inflation.