Measuring the process Flashcards
What is a peak flow meter?
Simple device that measures the rate at which air can be expelled from the lungs. Used by asthmatic people.
What is a Vitalograph?
More sophisticated versions of the peak flow metre. Patient breathes out as quickly as they can through mouthpiece, and instrument produces graph of the amount and rate of air breathed out.
What is a spirometer?
Commonly used to measure different aspects of the lung volume, or to investigate breathing patterns.
(In spirometer) What is the purpose of the soda lime?
Reacts with the carbon dioxide in order to prevent the levels from becoming too high and reaching toxic levels
What things must be done before use in order to set up the spirometer correctly?
-There must be medical grade oxygen in the chamber
-Kymograph must be calibrated
What precautions need to be taken to ensure that the equipment is used safely, and valid results are obtained
-Medical oxygen needs to be used
-Person must be fit and not suffering from respiratory illness
-Mouthpiece must be sterilised
-Person must wear nose clip to ensure validity
What is tidal volume?
Volume of air that moves in and out of the lungs in each resting breath.
What is vital capacity?
Volume of air that can be breathed in when the strongest possibility exhalation is followed by the deepest possible intake of breath.
What is inspiratory reserve volume?
The maximum volume of air you can breathe in over and above a normal inhalation.
What is expiratory reserve volume?
The extra amount of air you can force out of your lungs over and above the normal tidal volume of air you breathe out.
What is residual volume?
The volume of air that is left in your lungs when you have exhaled as hard as possible. This cannot be directly measured.
What is total lung capacity?
The sum of the vital capacity and the residual volume.
