A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is having difficulty using an incentive spirometer. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Use another device because this one might be faulty: Assuming the device is faulty without assessing technique or providing instruction may lead to unnecessary replacement and does not address the client’s ability to use the incentive spirometer correctly. B. Do regular deep-breathing exercises instead: While deep-breathing exercises are beneficial, they do not provide the same measurable feedback and lung expansion encouragement as an incentive spirometer, which is designed to prevent atelectasis and improve ventilation. C. Be much more vigorous in increasing increments: Encouraging vigorous effort too quickly can lead to fatigue, hyperventilation, or dizziness. Gradual progression is safer and more effective for improving lung capacity and preventing complications. D. Start slowly and increase volume over several sessions: Starting with achievable goals and gradually increasing the inhaled volume allows the client to develop proper technique and lung expansion safely. This approach maximizes effectiveness while reducing the risk of fatigue or hyperventilation.