Peak expiratory flow

Question 1

How do you initiate the procedure?

Answer 1

1. introduce/identify/explain/ allergies/wash hands - “we’re going to be assessing your peak flow today. This is a measurement of the maximum speed you can breathe out in in a short time and we will compare this result to other people of your age, sex and height. We can use this to see whether there is any improvement to your condition once you start your medication for your asthma. To do this, it will involve you doing this test at home every day for 2 weeks, 3 times in the morning just after you get up and 3 times in the evening just before you go to bed, and recording the highest number of the three from the morning and evening on a chart. Its normal for the readings in the morning to be lower than in the evening. Does that all make sense?”

Question 2

How do you perform the task?

Answer 2

• demonstrate first
  1. set pointer to zero
  2. sit upright and hold meter horizontally to the floor
  3. ensure fingers aren’t in the way of the pointer track
  4. take a deep breath, form a tight seal around mouthpiece and blow as hard as possible for a short period of time (like blowing candles out on a cake)
  5. note the reading and reset the pointer to zero
  6. repeat this three times
  7. get patient to perform task and show them how to record
  8. ask if they feel comfortable performing it at home