7.3 Measuring The Process

Question 1

Peak flow metre

Answer 1

Device measuring rate at which air is expelled from lungs. Often used in cases of asthma

Question 2

Vitalographs

Answer 2

Sophisticated version of peak flow metre. Patient breathes as quickly as possible. Instrument records amount of air breathed in. Volume of air is called forced expiratory volume in 1 second

Question 3

Spirometer

Answer 3

Used to measure different aspects of lung volume or breathing patterns.

Question 4

Tidal volume

Answer 4

Volume of air passed in and out of lungs in 1 resting breath.

Question 5

Vital capacity

Answer 5

Volume of air breathed in when strongest exhalation is followed by deepest possible inhalation

Question 6

Inspiratory reserve volume

Answer 6

Maximum amount able to breathe in after normal inhalation

Question 7

Expiratory reserve volume

Answer 7

Extra amount of air forced out of lungs after normal tidal volume of air breathed out

Question 8

Residual volume

Answer 8

Volume of air left in lungs after deepest exhalation. Cannot be measured directly

Question 9

Total lung capacity

Answer 9

Sum of vital capacity and residual volume

Question 10

Breathing rate

Answer 10

Breaths taken per minute

Question 11

Ventilation rate

Answer 11

Total volume of air inhaled in a minute