Peak flow meter Flashcards
1
Q
How should you start a peak flow examination?
A
- introduce self
- confirm name and DOB
- explain procedure
- gain consent
- wash hands
2
Q
How should you perform a peak flow reading?
A
- new mouth piece
- attach to meter
- zero the meter
- ask patient to stand
- instruct to take full inspiration
- instruct to form tight lip seal around mouthpiece
- instruct to blow hard
- instruct to keep meter horizontal
- checks understanding
- observe patients technique
- discards mouthpiece
3
Q
How do you interpret a peak flow reading?
A
- identify predicted value on graph
- identifies patient value and plot
- comment on reading
4
Q
What further tests would you perform on a patient?
A
- reversibility testing (salbutamol & repeat peak flow)
- spirometry (FEV1/FVC ratio)
5
Q
How do you end a peak flow examination?
A
- summarise results
- thank patient
- wash hands
