Airway Clearance Techniques 3

Question 1

Postural Drainage (5)

Answer 1

¬ Using gravity to assist with drainage

Question 2

Percussion and Vibration (6)

Answer 2

¬	Enhance mucociliary clearance
Mechanisms of Action
•	inc. Cilial beat with vagal stimulation
•	dec.  Mucous cross-links
•	inc. Peak expiratory flow

Question 3

Inhalation therapy (7)

Answer 3

1. Bronchodilator
   - dec. Airway resistance
   inc. Cilial beat
   Timing: Before Treatment
2. Mucolytics
   dec. Viscosity of secretions (saline = osmosis > inc. water in secretions)
   Timing: Before/During/After
3. Inhaled steroids
   dec. Inflammation
   Timing: After

Question 4

Exercise Therapy (8)

Answer 4

Role in Airway Clearance
¬ Prior to/during ACT’s to loosen secretions
¬ inc. Mucous clearance, ventilation
¬ To clear mobilised secretions, use cough or ACBT with FET/cough used to clear secretions
NB. Recommended to be used as an adjunct not (NOT a replacement for) other ACT’s.

Question 5

Exercise Therapy (8)
safety

Answer 5

Safety
•	Exercise testing
•	Monitor:
o	SpO2
o	RPE/RPB
•	Hydration
•	Heat control

Care: Patients with:
• Severe COPD (may lead to hyperinflation, bronchospasm)
• Bronchospasm/EIA (bronchodilators pre-exercise, monitor)
• Deconditioning/fatigue
• Diabetes, IHD…other conditions