What does a steady pre-operative incentive spirometry goal of 2000 mL indicate for a post-surgical patient?

Setting a steady pre-operative incentive spirometry goal of 2000 mL for a post-surgical patient primarily indicates an aim for prevention of pulmonary complications. Incentive spirometry is a clinical technique used to encourage deep breathing and expand lung capacity, which can help prevent atelectasis, pneumonia, and other respiratory issues that are common after surgery due to factors such as anesthesia effects, immobility, and pain.

When a patient achieves or is maintained at a target of 2000 mL, it suggests they are effectively expanding their lungs and maintaining adequate ventilation, which is crucial for preventing complications. This goal not only motivates the patient to engage in proactive breathing exercises but also serves as a benchmark for assessing their respiratory function and readiness for recovery following surgery.

While improvement in pulmonary function could be related, it does not directly address the preventive nature of incentive spirometry in the post-operative context. A stable metabolic rate or the need for additional respiratory therapy may not be as relevant to the goal set by the spirometry measurements and the primary focus of maintaining lung function post-surgery.