What therapeutic intervention may improve ventilation in a patient with COPD?

Incentive spirometry is a therapeutic intervention that encourages patients, particularly those with conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), to take deep breaths. The primary goal of incentive spirometry is to improve lung expansion and ventilation by promoting the uptake of air into the lungs. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with COPD, as they often struggle with air trapping and reduced lung function.

When a patient uses an incentive spirometer, they are motivated to inhale slowly and deeply, which can help open up the airways, increase lung volumes, and improve overall gas exchange. This method can also assist in preventing atelectasis, a condition where parts of the lung collapse and can exacerbate respiratory issues.

In contrast, the other options provided may not directly address the need for improved ventilation in a COPD patient. Aerosolized antibiotics are typically used to treat infections rather than enhance ventilation. Diuretics primarily address fluid overload and may not have any direct effect on airway function or ventilation. Mechanical ventilation can be necessary in severe cases of respiratory failure, but it is not a first-line intervention for improving ventilation in stable COPD patients.