Airway Clearance Tech's and Mobilization Flashcards
Airway Clearance Tech’s and Mobilization
AKA
Pulm Hygiene
Chest PT
Bronchial Hygiene
Pulmonary Toileting**** (get “Stuff” OUT)
Pulmonary Hygiene Tech’s
What are they?
- Manual or mechanical procedures that facilitate mobilization or secretions from airways
Pulmonary Hygiene
Optimal Airway Clearance Choice based on:
- pathophys and sx’s
- stability of medical status
- pts adherence
Pulmonary Hygiene
The Pt Exam BEFORE, DURING, AFTER Tx tells us what?
provides info to judge pt tolerance and tx effectiveness !!!
Pulmonary Hygiene
GOALS:
- Optimize airway patency
- INC ventilation and perfusion (V/Q) matching
- Promote alveolar expansion
- INC gas exchange
Pulmonary Hygiene
Precautions
- MEALS
- No Trendelenberg
- Meds***
-
Bronchodilators vs. Antibiotics
- we WANT bronchodilators PRIOR TO interventions to OPEN UP BRONCHIOLES
-
Bronchodilators vs. Antibiotics
WHEN is Pulm Hygiene indicated?
- ANY Dx that affects Ventilation in V/Q equation
- V is abnormal
- Q is OK
Ex. Dx’s in which Pulm Hygiene is Indicated
- CF
-
Obstructive– change in mucus boundary
- fluid in lungs, mucus EVERYWHERE
-
Obstructive– change in mucus boundary
- Bronchiectasis
-
Obstructive–permanent dilation of bronchia
- lung tissue dilates/loses integrity
-
Obstructive–permanent dilation of bronchia
- Atelectasis
- alveolar collapse
- Trunk + Access. mm weakness
- Life support: mech. vent or post-op
- Neonate resp distress syndrome and bronchopulm dysplasia
- ASTHMA
Pulm Hygiene
The List
see below

Diaphragm Innervation
Phrenic C3, C4, C5
Keeps the Diaphragm Alive!!!
Coughing
2 Types :
- Splinted
- Assisted Cough (forceful thrust of T/S bc cannot use abs)
Coughing
Splinted Cough
Everything you know about it…
- Hug pillow/squeeze and cough
- Trying to match pressure in vs. pressure out
-
Recommended post-op bc PAIN when they cough normally—–Pillow is like a crutch
- prevent rib cage pressure on mm’s
- pillow is for external pressure to match internal pressure
Coughing
Assisted Cough
- SCI pts!!!!
-
BIG thoracic flexion for cough
- literally extend spine, inhale, THROW BODY FORWARD and forceful cough !!!
Coughing
What do we WANT?
PRODUCTIVE, EFFECTIVE COUGH!!!
Postural Drainage Pos’s
Tips and tricks to remember
- If it is ANTERIOR (on FRONT side of body)
- they must start SUPINE
- If it is POSTERIOR (on BACK side of body)
- they must start PRONE
- If it is MIDDLE LOBES
- Raise feet up 12 in.
- If it is BASAL/LOWER LOBES
- Raise feet up 18 in.

Postural Drainage
One or more body pos’s that allow gravity to assist w/ draining secretions from ea. lung segment
Postural Drainage
The pos’s can be modified to address what?
Precautions and/or relative contraindications
Postural Drainage
Where does our priority lie?
given to most affected lung segment FIRST
Postural Drainage
Duration?
5-20 mins
- If they can be ALONE you can leave them in it longer bc they can independently move
- 5 mins IF coordinated w/ another technique
- NEVER leave pt unattended UNLESS they can indep. reposition themselves
Postural Drainage
Some Advantages:
easy to learn for pt.
easy to coord. w/ diff. tx’s
No $$$
Postural Drainage
Disadvantages
Contraindicated for lg. group of pts
Adherence is diff. bc we recommend 20mins
KIDS CANNOT JUST SIT FOR 20mins
You KNOW the segments and postural drainage positions
Reminder for Right POST. lobe and Left POST. lobe
Remember these are BOTH on BACK of body….and UPPER lobes
-
Right Post. UPPER lobes
- have to START Prone, then put them on LEFT side, ELEVATE right side
-
LEFT Post. UPPER lobes
- SAME as Right BUT now lean them onto RIGHT, ELEVATE Left side w/ pillow and RAISE HEAD OF BED UP!!!!

POSTURAL DRAINAGE
Precautions
*Remember HAMP
- Hemoptysis
- Ascites
- Morbidly obese
- Pulmonary Embolism
Postural Drainage
More Precautions
From lecture vs. lab
- Pulm Edema
- Hemoptysis
- Obesity
- Lg. pleural effusion
- Ascites
Still remember HAMP !!!
Postural Drainage
Relative Contraindications
NEVER DO if have these
- Recent head trauma/INC’d ICP
- Spinal fusion or Sx
- Hemodynamically unstable
- Diaphragmatic hernia
- Recent eye sx
- Esophageal anastomisis
Percussion Technique
Mvmt of hand/wrist w/ CUPPED hand==pod of air
- Chest percussion aimed @ loosening retaining secretions
- manual OR mechanical
- its ALL in the wrist
- lean your forearm on pt.

Vibration Technique
- Manual OR mechanical
- utilized IN postural drainage pos’s to clear secretions
-
REMEMBER
- Start the vibration as they EXHALE!!!

Percussion
Advantages vs. Disadvantages
*REMEMBER BETTER TO DO IT ON SKIN!!!
-
Advantages
- zero cost
- GOOD adherence
- can be done on infants, children, newborns
- relaxing for kids
- can utilize postural drainage AND percussion same time
- Watch O2sats AND vitals during
-
Disadvantages
- CTS risk
Percussion
Duration?
- Until secretions coughed up
- 2-5 mins
- or PT fatigues
Percussion
Advantages
- infants, young children
- Postural drainage + percussion==> effective and good adherence
- Monitor O2 sats and vitals during
- zero cost
Percussion
Disadvantages
- Repetitive percussion from caregiver==> INC risk CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
- NOT tolerated well in pts w/ issues in pain mgmt or coagulation
Vibration
HOW performed and utilized WHEN?
Mech. OR manual & utilized IN postural drainage pos’s
*rapidly shaking or vibrating shoulders
ONLY DURING EXHALATION!!!
Vibration
Advantages:
- GOOD if you fatigue bc 2s rest break
- moves secretions
- well tolerated by pts
- Use on post-sx pts
- Encourages INC VT
Vibration
Disadvantages
- need someone to help you if no mech.
- Adherence impaired bc caregiver avail.
- Cannot coordinate if RR too high
Percussion and Vibration
Precautions
Uncontrolled bronchospasm THEN all the MSK stuff…
- uncontrolled bronchospasm
- osteoporosis
- Rib fx
- metastatic cancer to ribs
- tumor obstruction in airway
- anxiety
- coagulopathy
- convulsive OR seizure disorder
- Recent pacemaker
Percussion and Vibration
Contraindications
DO NOT DO
- Hemoptysis
- Untx’d tension pneuomothorax
- platelet count <20,000/mm^3
- likely to bleed
- hemodynamically unstable
- BP not nrml, vitals not nrml
- open wounds, burns in T/S
- PE
- subcutaneous emphysema
- air pocket under skin
- skin grafts/flaps on thorax
Active Cycle of Breathing Technique
ACBT
Consists of what?
series of maneuvers performed by pt to emphasize IND in secretion clearance & thoracic expansion
ACBT
3 Components:
- Breathing Control
- Thoracic Expansion Exs
- Forced Expiratory Exs aka Huffing
ACBT
Breathing control phase
- VT breaths AND emphasis on diaphragmatic breathing
ACBT
Thoracic Expansion Exs
- DEEP breaths (Vital Capacity, VC breaths)
- Can add percussion/vibration here
ACBT
Forced Expiratory Exs
aka Huffing
“Fogging the mirror”
- DEEP breath THEN cough w/out closing epiglottis
- Think of fogging up a mirror
-
Cycle:
- TV–> VC–> forced exhale (like a big siiiiighh)
ACBT
Advantages
- Flexible—> any pos.
- Inexpensive
- Children as young as 4yo
- relieves caregiver
- Research is substantial
ACBT
Disadvantages
- Time consuming
- 20 mins
- Boring
Airway Clearance Tech’s or Cough assist machines
What are they?
- Mech. apply force to body or intermitt. press. changes to airway to assist insp/exp. mm function
Airway Clearance
Mech. Cough Machine
- Delivers deep insufflations IMMED. followed by deep exsufflations
- MAY add in abd. thrust, min. coughs
- Forceful insp/exp. excursions
Suctioning is performed routinely for what patients?
- Routinely for intubated pts (mech. vents) to facilitate removal of secretions & stim. cough reflex
Suctioning
Pts w/ artifical airways can be instructed in 2 things:
- Huffing
- Cough assist. tech’s
Suction cath’s can only reach how far?
To the lvl of mainstream bronchi
Suctioning should be LAST RESORT
Why?
Invasive!!!
Every suction is minor trauma to bronchi
Suctioning is a ______ technique
Sterile
Therapeutic Breathing
Consists of 2 components
- Therapeutic pos. techniques
- like in what pos. is best for V/Q and to open airways?
- Ventilatory mvmt strategies
- again we want to improve V/Q
Therapeutic Breathing
This will asisst w/ progression from _____ to ______
from DEP. to INDEP. in mobility and breathing
Therapeutic Breathing
Indicated for pts w/:
Weakness of the Diaphragm!!!
Therapeutic Breathing
We want to emphasize 2 components of breathing with UE mvmt
- Emphasize inspiratory effort breathing w/ UE mvmt
- Emphasize expiratory effort breathing w/ UE mvmt
W/ Therapeutic Breathing
Breathing tech’s must be PROGRESSED to……
Functional Activities
*see if they can coordinate their breathing pattern DURING functional acts
W/ Therapeutic Breathing
Pos. of the body GREATLY influences what?
Influences ventilation and respiration
W/ Therapeutic Exs
What body position is beneficial?
PRONE!!!
Therapeutic Breathing
Positioning basically…..
Put human in a pos. that helps facilitate breathing or some component of pulm system
Therapeutic Breathing
Positioning for Dyspnea Relief
Tripod or Professional Position
Tripod breathing—-YOU KNOW AND HAVE USED THIS!!!
- arms supported allows access. breathing mm’s to act on rib cage allowing MORE expansion for INSPIRATION
Suctioning goes down to mainstem bronchi to where?
Bifurcation of Bronchi
This type of Therapeutic Position for Breathing switches origin and insertion and pulls OUT the ribcage for DEEPER INSP.
Tripod OR Professional Posture
Autogenic Drainage
3 Phases
*ALL related to secretions
*NO VALSALVE
-
Phase 1
- collecting, TV breathing, prevent bronchospasms
-
Phase 2
- evacuate secretions, IR and HOLD breath—> Huff
-
Phase 3
- Nasal VT
- In/Out thru nose
Diaphragmatic Controlled Breathing
Used to manage 3 things:
- Dyspnea
- Reduce atelectasis
- INC oxygenation
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Facilitates _________
Reduces___________
- Facilitating OUTWARD motion of abd. wall while
- Reducing upper ribcage motion during INSP.
4 Other Tech’s w/ Diaphragmatic Breathing
-
Sniffing
- engages diaphragm—> teach like diaphragm is an elevator trying to go DOWN!!!
-
Scoop Tech.
- facilitates diaphragm recoil
-
Obj’s/Wts ON abdomen
- BELOW xiphoid== activates abs
-
Manual Trigger during Exhale
- “Quick Stretch”
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Upper chest inhibiting tech.
- Inhibiting UPPER CHEST can help pt recruit diaphragm during INHALATION
- Used AFTER other tech’s
Lateral Costal Breathing OR
Segmental breathing
applying resistance to INSP/EXP
“Breathe into my hand”
Pursed lip breathing prolongs and stabilizes what?
Trachea/Bronchi
*really a compensatory strategy to proloooooong exhale
Pursed Lip Breathing does 3 things:
- DECs dyspnea
- Helps SLOW RR
-
Beneficial for OLD
- bc retain CO2
Pursed Lip Breathing Guidelines
- IN thru NOSE for 2s
- OUT thru MOUTH (pursed lips, blowing out candles) for 4s
Paced Breathing OR…
REALLY just focusing/concentrating on breathing
*volitional control of breathing during activity
Paced Breathing
- Volitional control of breathing during act.
-
REALLY INTENTIONAL
-
Designated time interval for breathing
- YOU CAN MAKE IT UP!!!
- EX. IN for 3s, OUT for 6s
- YOU CAN MAKE IT UP!!!
-
Designated time interval for breathing
- Anxiety, cardiac/pulm dis’s
INSP MM Training
Indicated for pts w/ S/S of:
- DECd strength or endurance of diaphragm or intercostal mm’s
S/S of need for Inspiratory MM Training: 5
- DECd chest expansion
- DECd breath sounds
- SOB
- Uncoordinated breathing
- Bradypnea (<12 breaths/min)
- DECd tidal volume
Insp MM Training (IMT)
GOALS:
- INC vent. capacity
- DEC dyspnea
IMT program consists of two parts:
- Strengthening
- Endurance
IMT Training devices
- Handheld devices
- Incentive Spirometers (GOOGLE)
PEP or Positive Expiratory Pressure is for……
Consolidations
PEP or
Resisted Exhale
PEP does WHAT to secretion
Unsticks secretions
Positive Expiratory Pressure or PEP
The process or HOW to do:
- “Slowly inhale beyond normal breath”
- HOLD breath for 2s
- Keep cheeks stiff
- EXHALE thru flutter valve
We are training exhalation!!!
Positive Expiratory Pressure and Kids
BUBBLES!!!!
- Long straw== >PEP bc longer distance to reach liquid
- Short straw==
***make it @ least 12in***
PEP for kids
ex. BUBBLES
Advantages
Caregiver IND
Good for “rewarding” cognitively impaired
children <4yo
inexp.
PEP in KIDS
Disadvantages
Adherence
Vest that does high freq. chest wall oscillation @ LOW PRESSURES
- High freq chest wall oscillation vest
Chestwall Oscillation
Advantages
- Can be used w/ other interventions
- Sized as you grow
- works LONG TERM–> no tolerance build up
Chest wall oscillation vest
Disadvantages
If you don’t have health insurance, you cannot afford it
VERY $$$$
PFT tests are looking @:
V/Q matching!!!!!
PNF and whether or not it INCs Pulmonary Function
YES!!!!
-
Significant Improves in:
- ERV
- VC
- HIGHER pulm function
- **PNF resp. Ex IS effective @ INC pulm function of norm. adults
PNF for airway clear.
INSP vs. EXP
- INSP
- during Thoracic EXT or ROT.
- as ribcage expands
- EXP
- as things CLOSE BACK DOWN
What 2 forms of exercise should be used in acute care setting?
Endurance AND strength training!!!
BOTH endurance and strength training should be used in acute care setting why?
PREVENT and TREAT negative NMSK sequelae of critical illness
What is the goal of endurance training in acute care setting?
MAXIMIZE IND and efficiency when pt performs ADLs
Systemic Effects of Immobilization ESP affects you if….
Bed bound >/= 3 days
Systemic effects of immobilization in a nutshell….
Multiple organ impaired function
Systemic Effects of Immob.
Cardiac
- INCd RHR
- DEC HR MAX
- DEC VO2max
- Orthostatic HypOtension
- DECd SV
- tot. volume blood leaving ea. ventricle per contraction of heart
- EDV-ESV
Systemic Effects of Immob.
Vascular
- INCd platelet coagulation
- DECd Hgb conc. and DECd blood volume
- anemia, DVT, clotting
- Venous stasis
- INCd venous compliance (stiffness)
Systemic Effects of Immob.
Respiratory
- DECd VC
- DECd RV
- DECd Pa02
- Weak cough/non-effective
- INCd V/Q mismatch
- INCd risk infection
- in lungs—esp. part not using
Systemic Effects of Immob.
MSK
- DECd mm mass
- DECd strength
- DECd mm endurance
- Jt contractures*
Systemic Effects of Immob.
Integumentary
- Decubitus Ulcers
- pressure wounds
Systemic Effects of Immob.
CNS
- Cognitive deficits
- Delirium
- Anxiety
- Altered sleep/wake cycle
Systemic Effects of Immob.
Metabolic
- INCd insulin resistance
- Anorexia
- DECd ability to process/clear specific meds
Systemic Effects of Immob.
Osteo
- HYPERcalcemia
- Osteopenia
- Osteoporosis
Systemic Effects of Immob.
GI
*when IMMOBILE==> SNS activated, ANS deactivated (rest/digest disrupted)
- paralytic ileus
- constipation
- bowel obstruction
Systemic Effects of Immob.
Renal
Diuresis
*Kidneys filter TOO MUCH bodily fluid== INC urine production + freq. to use bathroom
Benefits of EARLY MOBILIZATION
What are the BIG 3?:
- Do NOT want PNA
- NO bedsores
3. NO clots
Is bedrest warranted?
If Meds:
- multiple vasopressors
-
fibrolytics
-
blood too thin w/in 24hrs
- ex. TPA
-
blood too thin w/in 24hrs
Is bedrest warranted?
if Hemodynamically unstable:
- Acute MI
- unstable arrhythmias
Is bedrest warranted?
If certain life-support machines
*bc the way the lines are attached to indiv.
- femoral IABP
- femoral ECMO
- ICP monitors
Is bedrest warranted?
Hospice
Pt. dictated care
*depends on what they want*
Is bedrest warranted?
Excessive Pain: “Goal being to minimize pain”
- burns/trauma/wounds
-
WB precautions!!!
- ONLY SW or Ax. Crutches!!!!!!!
is bedrest warranted?
Dependent Edema: “Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation”
RICE
- IF
- Post-trauma
- post-sx
- peripheral edema control
Is bedrest warranted?
Specific MD activity orders:
Bed Rest
OOB to chair
BR
ad lib
Rx Mob. for Pulm Pt
Step 1: PT exam
what factors are negatively affecting pts V/Q?
Rx Mob. for Pulm pt
Step 2: Parameters
*are there any parameters worth monitoring?
*what monitors are avail?
Rx Mob. for Pulm Pt
Step 3: Is mobility feasible and safe?
*check precautions and contraindications
Rx Mob for Pulm pt
Step 4: What are the pts goals for today AND future?
!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rx Mob. for Pulm pt
Step 5: Schedule session w/ interdisciplinary team
*nursing
*resp. tx
*family
Rx Mob. for Pulm pt
Step 6: Match deficits in step 1, info in step 2, 3, and 4 w/ Mobilization, PD, percussion, vibration, pulm hygiene, etc.
!!!!!!!!
Rx Mob. for Pulm pt
Step 7: Plan for duration and intensity
!!!!
Rx Mob for Pulm pt
Step 8: Educate and carry it out!!!
!!!!!
Rx Mob for Pulm pt
Step 9: Assess your rx’s effectiveness
!!!!
Rx Mob for pulm pt
Step 10: change intensity, freq, duration based on response/effective. and parameters
!!!!!!!!!
Rx Mob for Pulm pt
Step 11: Could anything be optimized?
RE-ASSESS!!!!
RX MOB FOR PULM pt
****ACSM Parameters to Elicit Long-Term Effects:
KNOW THESE!!!!
-
Int: 40-85% or RHR based on Karvonen
-
Karvonen== %int(HRR) + RHR
-
HRR==MHR-RHR
- MHR==220-age
- Karvonen==Ex. HR==%int(HRR) + RHR
-
HRR==MHR-RHR
-
Karvonen== %int(HRR) + RHR
- Duration: 20-40 mins
- Freq: 3-5x/week
- Mode: sitting tol, amb, therEX
- Monitor: HR, BP, RR, Sa02
SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT!!!!!!!!
Mob of Pulm pt
Functional mobility training may be initiated WHEN?
As soon as pt can roll B/L in bed w/ stable vital signs
functional mobility training for pulm pt.
What does this entail?
- Bed mobility
-
Transfers and Amb.
- use of AD’s====TEACH THEM!
- recruit personnel assist for equip. mgmt
- Progress pt to LEAST RESTRICTIVE AD!!!
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE AN INTERVENTION???
- Pt Info:
- age
- motivation
- Availabilty
- Effectiveness
- Clinical status
- Lifestyle
- Expense*****
Do Functional Mobility along w/ other interventions!!!
LONG-TERM Effects Mobilization
- Getting rid of secretions
- INC functional capacity
- Preventing future consolidations & PNA***