During vest-style immobilization, what breathing instruction should you give the patient before securing the torso straps?

• A. Ask the patient to exhale fully.
• B. Ask the patient to inhale as much as possible.
• C. Instruct the patient to hold their breath.
• D. Breathing instructions are not necessary.

Answer: (B)

During vest-style immobilization, you want the torso straps tightened when the chest is at its fullest expansion. Have the patient inhale as much as possible so the chest is expanded before you secure the straps. This helps ensure the straps are snug without compressing the chest on exhalation, preserving ventilation and comfort. If the patient exhales fully before securing, the chest shrinks and the straps can become too tight as they breathe out, which can impair breathing. Breathing instructions are helpful here because they set the chest position for proper strap fit, and you don’t need the patient to hold their breath after the straps are in place.