Baseline observations and normal parameters - Peak Flow

Question 1

What is peak flow?

Answer 1

The volume of air forcefully expelled from the lungs in one quick exhalation

Question 2

How is peak flow measured?

Answer 2

Via a handheld device called peak flow meters

Question 3

What is the steps to measuring peak flow?

Answer 3

• Explain process
• establish past best if possible
• insert a new mouth piece
• ensure patient is stood up
• hold the meter, avoiding tongue obstruction
• Slow breath through the mouth, then a forceful breath, recorded 3 times and highest is recorded

Question 4

What is the reason from a clinical perspective of measuring peak flow?

Answer 4

Asthma

Whether a medication has correctly affected breathing

Question 5

What percentages of the expected peak flow rate would those with mild, acute severe and life threatening asthma be?

Answer 5

mild - 50-75%
acute severe - 33-50%
life-threatening - up to 33%

Question 6

What can Peak flow tests identify?

Answer 6

Ventilation capacity and airflow obstruction

Question 7

What are the contraindications of completing a peak flow test?

Answer 7

No consent

Issue is not respiratory

Question 8

What can impact peak expiratory flow rate?

Answer 8

poor seal
not deep enough breaths
medicines that open airways (bronchodilators)